Category: Malta Basketball

James, Crooms Named BOV Players of the Month for November

Starlites’ Kai Fabri wins BOV Amateur League accolade

AtoZ Athleta’s Kurt James, Betsson Depiro’s Janai Crooms, and Starlites’ Kai Fabri have been recognised as the BOV Players of the Month for November 2024 by the Malta Basketball Association.

American forward Kurt James, who joined Athleta from Starlites this season, earned the top accolade for the BOV Division One for November. The 6’5” all-rounder demonstrated his versatility, excelling across multiple positions and finishing last month as the league’s leading scorer with an impressive 169 points over six games, averaging 28.17 points per game.

James was equally dominant under the boards, securing an average of 14.4 rebounds per game to top the league’s rebounding charts.

His all-around contribution extended to 2.6 steals per game while enduring an average of 6.17 fouls per match. Clocking 35 minutes per game, his influence was pivotal for Athleta.

The winners of the BOV Player of the Month award for November. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Janai Crooms of Depiro claimed the Player of the Month title. The 25-year-old Rwandan-American, a standout player for her team since joining earlier in the month, delivered consistently stellar performances, averaging 19.5 points per game.

Across four games, Crooms amassed 55 rebounds, showcasing her tenacity in the paint, alongside 11 assists and 11 steals.

16-year-old Kai Fabri of Starlites was awarded the honour for the BOV Amateur League. The young shooting guard demonstrated remarkable poise, scoring 65 points in four games, including nine three-pointers, for an average of 16.25 points per game.

Fabri also led the local second division in court time, averaging 33 minutes and 10 seconds per game, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The awards were presented by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Officer, Ernest Agius, during a ceremony at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. Each recipient was awarded a custom-made trophy to commemorate their achievement.

Caretti returns to US after season-ending injury

Close to three months after joining Betsson Depiro, US import player Jensen Caretti will be heading home to tackle an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which ended her season early after the team’s first Women’s John Tabone Shield fixture against Hibernians in October.

In a statement on her socials, Caretti expressed her disappointment in the fact that “my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like”.

“Just when you think certain things can’t/won’t happen to you, they do,” Caretti said.

“I’m not really one to share what’s going on in my personal life, but unfortunately, my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like and having to work through the atrocities that it brings. I will be coming home tomorrow and be having my surgery within the upcoming weeks.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason and that God works in the most mysterious ways. I don’t know what He has planned for me, i just know He has never put me through anything i haven’t overcome yet. Trusting Him through it all. Just know that when I recover, I’m coming back stronger and better – coming for everything thats mine. 

“Thank you to all who have been there for me through this process so far and thank you in advance to those who will be there with me throughout my surgery and recovery. I’m appreciative of the support and care that my teammates, coaches, and staff gave me throughout the season. It’s been real Malta!”

Jensen Caretti tore her ACL against Hibernians in October. VIDEO | Malta Basketball Association

Caretti, who was signed by the Mtarfa-based side back in August, was brought on to help the team push for redemption after last season’s playoff finals disappointment which saw the team drop a two-game lead against Caffe Moak Luxol in May.

Things were looking up as Caretti put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut in the Super Cup final against Luxol for Julian Naudi’s side as they lifted their first trophy since the Knockout in March. However, this feel-good factor came to an abrupt end a few days later when Caretti took an awkward fall during the team’s Shield clash with Hibs. The American returned to the court in the latter stages of the game but it was clear the issue would turn out more serious as the team lost both the game and the player. 

Since then, the club has also lost Malta international Sophie Abela who is now playing overseas wit CB Isla Bonita, however, they have signed former Malta player Joselle Borg Cardona and most recently Janai Crooms.

Howard, Napoleon named October’s MBA Players of the Month

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) awarded the Players of the Month on Sunday at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, naming Luxol Sherries Estates guard Darron Howard and Starlites guard Makaila Napoleon as October’s award winners.

Luxol’s Howard was one of two US import signings who joined the Violets over the summer and has since shown his mettle as one of the top players in the division so far.

Over the course of October, Luxol progressed to the John Tabone Shield final, falling to eventual winners Hibernians in November. However, Luxol were a force on court, with Howard, compatriot Caleb Jones McCrary, and Malta international Nathan Xuereb all leading a revolutionised roster under coach Duncan Fenech.

With four games in all competitions played in October, Howard averaged 37 minutes on the court, scoring 30.5 points and assisting 6.8 scores a game. On defence, Howard grabbed eight boards, and was a menace in steals with 3.3 per game. 

Luxol are on a 3-0 run in this season’s BOV Division One campaign.

Miguel Falzon, Darron Howard, BOV Chief Officer Ernest Agius, and Makaila Napoleon. PHOTO | BOV

Starlites’ Napoleon, who joined the team over the summer, has been an instrumental part of coach Peter Shoults’ roster so far as the team bounce back after last season’s woes. With stars Steffi de Martino, Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba off to Hibernians, it was a good opportunity for Napoleon and the rest of the Starlites clan to show they can move on.

Throughout October, the Naxxar-based side played three games in the John Tabone Shield with Napoleon playing around 33 minutes a game as she averaged a double-double and led the team in scoring with 21.3 points per game. On defence, the former Jessup University guard averaged 14.7 rebounds, with 2.8 blocks a game. 

Starlites are currently on a 2-1 record in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, their only defeat coming against Betsson Depiro in their second league fixture of the new campaign. 

Starlites’ Miguel Falzon won the Division Two honour. Falzon finished the month of October with 57 points from four outings.

The BOV Player of the Month award winners are voted for by the local media at the end of each game.

Valletta BC sign Ashton Spears

BOV Division One side Valletta BC  have signed US import player Ashton Spears, Malta Basketball can confirm. Spears is said to have joined the capital club over the week, with sources saying the 6’2 guard is signed and in line for his debut on Sunday as Valletta face Luxol in the day’s early game.

Spears joins the Citizens after overseas stints in France, Germany and most lately Portugal when he played for SC Lusitania EXPERT in the Portuguese top division last season. While his time there was that of just three games, the Louisiana native put up an average of 14.3 points, three assists and two rebounds after spending 29.3 minutes a game.

The former St Edwards University player played his final college season with the Hilltoppers after moving from Jacksonville State University. 

Spears now joins coach Harry Savaya’s Valletta roster which has grown significantly and will be the team’s third American summer signing after they had brought over Lorenzo Anderson and Eric Terry in the offseason to complement the addition of Piotr Stelmach and local Division One transfers Francesco Mifsud Bonnici and Nicholas Grech amongst others. 

Valletta are currently second in the BOV Division One standings on a 2-1 record so far after three games played.

Athleta sign Ghana forward Amoafo

BOV Division One side Athleta have expanded their squad depth for the new season with a new import signing last week as they named Ghanaian forward Maxwell Amoafo to coach Sandro Farrugia’s roster, the club announced on Sunday.

The 6’7 player joins the Maroons after having played college basketball at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada before moving to Spain for his professional debut with Coto Cordoba CB in the Spanish Segunda league. 

“We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Athleta Basketball Club for the 2024 season—Maxwell Amoafo!” A club statement read. 

“Standing tall at 6’7”, Maxwell brings strength, agility, and a wealth of experience from his time in Spain and Canada. As a versatile forward with a tenacious defensive presence and a knack for rebounding, he is set to be a key player in our quest for success. Let’s give Maxwell a warm welcome to the Athleta family!”

Last season, the forward averaged 18 minutes per game over 16 appearances where he put up 6.8 points and seven rebounds a game. 

Amoafo becomes the team’s third import for the season after the Gzira-based side acquired former Starlites big man Kurt James and compatriot Caleb Matthews over the summer. Together with local signings Robert Vitale, Billy Joel Zammit, and Isaac Bonett – who has not yet made his Athleta debuts so far due to injury – the three overseas players will be hoping to combine for a turnaround after an unlucky opening to the new league campaign which has seen them fall to four defeats, one of which was Amoafo’s debut. 

On Sunday, Athleta suffered a closed 74-71 defeat to Valletta Lions with Amoafo putting up a 17-minute performance where he put up five points, grabbed five rebounds and made three assists.

‘Trophies have always been part of our club’ says Buhagiar after Hibernians lift Women’s Shield

Hibernians edged past Caffè Moak Luxol in a thrilling 66-60 victory on Sunday at Ta’ Qali Pavilion, capturing their eleventh Women’s John Tabone Shield title and surpassing Luxol, who held nine Shield honours. 

For Hibs, this victory broke a three-year trophy drought, restoring a tradition of winning honours to the Paola club. Coach Winnie Buhagiar lauded the hard work that brought Hibernians back to the top, expressing pride in their efforts to reclaim a long-held reputation for honours.

“This means a lot for the club, especially because in the last three years, we didn’t win any honours, and winning trophies has always been part of our club,” Buhagiar stated. 

“This summer, we’ve worked hard on rebuilding our team solely because we want to bring titles back to Paola.” 

She reflected on the competitive intensity of the season, acknowledging Luxol’s relentless defence and the challenges ahead.

“The game today was hard-fought, but we were always on the front foot. Now, we know every game will be a battle for which we need to fight and work.”

Both teams displayed tremendous resolve on Sunday, with Luxol particularly feeling the absence of their veteran duo Josephine Diaby – still sidelined due to a broken thumb – and Sarah Pace. Without Diaby, the task of containing Hibernians’ Mikayla Brandon fell largely to Sarah and Anna Fenech Pace, while Vanya Baldacchino took on the challenge of shadowing Steffi De Martino. Despite these adjustments, Hibernians raced to an 8-0 lead while Luxol kept pace with contributions from Lisa Fenech Pace and Baldacchino. However, Hibernians widened their lead significantly before the half, with De Martino and Maria Bonett anchoring their scoring efforts.

Luxol found their rhythm in the second half, thanks in large part to Brandy Huffhines, who overcame a slow start to become their primary scoring threat. Her scoring flurry, coupled with Sarah Fenech Pace’s inside presence, reduced the deficit heading into the fourth.

The final quarter saw Hibernians maintain their edge but not without setbacks. Bonett, who had played every minute of the game, landed awkwardly after a rebound with 2:39 remaining and had to be carried off the court for treatment. Brandon, who had been pivotal in the paint, fouled out in the game’s final seconds. Luxol pushed hard in the closing moments, but Hibernians held firm, buoyed by De Martino’s clutch free throws and late-game defence.

‘We need to train harder’

De Martino, who joined Hibernians this season after several years with Starlites in a transfer that moved Andie Saliba, Bonett, and herself to the Paolites, was thrilled with the win and commended her teammates’ preparation. 

“I’m super happy we managed to get this trophy,” she said, “a game is a game. If I’m playing for Starlites or if I’m playing for Hibs, I’m going to bring the same game on court.” 

Acknowledging Luxol’s effort despite missing senior players, she added, “While I’m happy we won, I believe that we need to train harder and play harder if we want to take this all the way.”

The game highlighted Hibernians’ rebounding strength and inside play, with Brandon and De Martino combining for 53 points. Brandon’s 26 rebounds underscored her dominance in the paint, while Luxol’s Huffhines led her team’s comeback attempt with a 25-point performance. Hibernians’ bench, however, went scoreless, underscoring the heavy reliance on their starting five. 

On Luxol’s side, Baldacchino’s close defence on De Martino and Lisa Fenech Pace’s inside scoring were pivotal, showcasing the depth and adaptability coach Roderick Vella’s Luxol brought to the court even without Diaby.

Buhagiar expressed her team’s readiness to tackle future challenges, despite Bonett’s injury, which will be assessed by their physio. 

“Maria (Bonett) fell on one leg, but I don’t think it’s going to be a long injury,” Buhagiar noted, hinting at Hibernians’ resilience and depth this season.

With the Shield in hand, Hibernians look ahead with optimism. 

“The fact that we managed to win the first cup is motivation for us,” De Martino added. 

“We’re a relatively new team, so we have to take some mistakes and learn from them to gel better in the future.”

‘We Want to Win Everything’ says Narciso as Hibernians seal John Tabone Shield

In a high-stakes John Tabone Shield final at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion, Hibernians outlasted Luxol 94-86 to claim their first title of the season, with Hibs point guard Derek Brown leading the charge in an intense, fast-paced contest. Fans witnessed the resilience and determination of both teams, but Hibernians’ tenacious defence and late-game composure proved decisive in their victory.

Reflecting on his team’s grit, Coach Christian Narciso praised the Hibernians’ collective spirit.

“You can see on the court my guys are tough, they are playing defence with their heart,” he told Malta Basketball. 

“In the last quarter, they decided the game without any instruction from me. They just found out on their own: they played together, trusted each other and played tough defence – that’s the biggest victory for me.” 

Narciso, who previously coached Mellieha Libertas, returned to Malta and joined Hibernians with high aspirations over the summer. 

“We want to win everything. We had the example of Starlites last year – we want to follow their example. So that’s what we’re aiming for,” he emphasised, setting the tone for a season of championship ambition.

The game on Sunday unfolded as a thrilling display of Maltese basketball, with Hibernians initially grabbing an early lead before Luxol mounted a comeback to edge ahead by halftime. But it was in the fourth quarter that Narciso’s clan found their rhythm, ignited by Brown’s precise shooting and Ivan Demcesen’s crucial second-chance points. Luxol, fighting back, were dealt a setback when key player Nathan Xuereb fouled out after a stunning 20-point performance, leaving them vulnerable to Hibs’ final push.

For Brown, who led all scorers with 36 points, the victory was a result of focused preparation. 

“I was mentally locked in. I get up at 6AM and put in my shots just so that we could be ready for today,” he shared with Malta Basketball, reflecting on his dedication. 

“When Hibs came and got me, I heard we hadn’t won a Shield in about two or three years, so we were determined to definitely get this one.” 

The Shield final also showcased a high level of Maltese talent, with Matthew Gouder and Nathan Xuereb emerging as standout performers, as they both finished the game with 20 points after impressive shooting on the day. Gouder, in his first final as a Hibs player since joining from Athleta over the summer, contributed with efficient scoring and strong defence, while Xuereb’s early three-pointers were critical in keeping Luxol in the game. 

When Mellieha disbanded over the summer, most of their players found a new home at other clubs, with Tedrick Wolfe heading to Hibs and Vukasin Jandric moving to Luxol. The former Libertas duo delivered top-drawer performances for their respective side on Sunday, as Wolfe went home with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Jandric shot 80% from three-point range for a final 16-point total.

Competitive nature

Narciso highlighted the competitive nature of this season, noting that with Mellieha’s players joining different teams, the league is as tough as ever.

“It’s like all of the teams can be in the first four. I see a really tough competition but it’s also more satisfying when you win finals like this.”

On Sunday, both teams displayed tactical depth, with Hibernians capitalising on fast breaks and points in the paint, while Luxol demonstrated resilience in second-chance opportunities.

Despite the defeat, Luxol will also be ones to take many positives from their Shield run. Unlike last season, the Pembroke-based side look like a solid outfit this season under coach Duncan Fenech and the dynamic duo of Howard and Caleb Jones McCrary has surely shown there is added character to their team. 

In fact, while last season, their Shield campaign lasted just two defeats, this year, the Violets have gone unbeaten until the final which suggests the team requires simply that pinch of added experience together to keep up their formidable showing in the business end. Nevertheless, it looks like Luxol will be one of the challengers for the season’s honours, especially with the likes of Malta international Xuereb now boosted by the team’s new additions and the re-emergence of Stefan Cappello who has become a dominant presence for the team. 

As Hibernians bask in their Shield victory, however, the message is clear: this team is determined to dominate Maltese basketball this season. With seasoned players and renewed determination, Hibernians have set a high bar, leaving supporters eager for more finals.

Depiro sign Janai Crooms

Mtarfa-side Betsson Depiro returned to the transfer market with import player Jensen Caretti said to be out long-term, and have now signed the signing of Rwandan-American guard Janai Crooms, the club announced on Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janai Crooms to our Senior Women’s Team!” a Depiro statement read.

“Janai is a Providence College graduate and was part of the  All-Big East tournament in her Senior Year. Janai also represented the Rwandan National Team, contributing to their best-ever third place finish. Welcome to Depiro, Janai!”

Crooms, originally born in the US but who has represented Rwanda in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, joins last season’s Knockout winners after a college career with the Providence Friars and a stint in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeras de Santurce.

Crooms played two seasons with the Friars from 2021-23. During her career at Providence, she was an All-BIG EAST Honourable Mention selection (2021-22), a Preseason All-BIG EAST pick (2022-23) and a five-time BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll selection. 

She finished her collegiate career averaging a team-best 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Crooms joins coach Julian Naudi’s team as they look to overcome their previous defeat to Caffe Moak Luxol, which ended their John Tabone Shield campaign. This was their first defeat since Sophie Abela’s departure to CD Isla Bonita and Caretti’s injury, which came in their competition opener against Hibernians – their only other Shield loss. Caretti, who joined the team over the summer, is set to continue rehabilitating after an awkward landing from a challenge during the game in October.

While Crooms will be an immediate replacement for the two players, sources tell Malta Basketball that the club is also awaiting the next local player transfer window to sign veteran forward Joselle Cardona, a former Malta international who will return to the game after last playing for Luxol.

Valletta BC embrace city’s legacy as club launches new identity

Valletta BC, a local basketball club now in its second season, has rebranded over the summer as part of significant upgrades and they made all of their changes official with a launch of their logo, kits and teams for the 2024-25 season on Wednesday in Valletta.

Speaking at the event, club president Harry Savaya referred to the launch as a big event because of the city’s identity, saying it is their ambition to live up to the name through the club.

“For us, it’s big because it’s Valletta,” Savaya told the audience, “(Valletta) has a big name, it has a history, and it has shown us a lot during the years. Hopefully, it will be a great image for us to emulate. We will be able to show them who we are, to show them real basketball, fair play, good attitude, and definitely at the end of this, the results.

“But our main target is not just to show what we have or show our level or show good sportsmanship. Our target is to put Valletta and Malta on the highest podiums, at the highest level.”

Speaking about the new branding, as Valletta Fighters became Valletta BC in the offseason, Citizens representative and assistant coach Daniel Bugeja said the process took on numerous phases and emphasised their pride in representing the capital city.

“The logo, which was designed by our club secretary, Carmel Spiteri, has passed through a lot of phases,” Bugeja said. 

“The lion on the logo holds a basketball, reflecting the club’s dedication to the sport. The intensity of the expression on the lion underscores the competitive spirit of the team. In the background, a basketball is incorporated with elements of the multi-spectrum, signifying the club’s deep roots in Malta. As we all know, no city or village in Malta represents the country more than here. And there was the idea to have the Maltese flag incorporated into our logo.

“The team’s name, Valletta Basketball Club, is displayed prominently. This showcases our pride in representing the country. We are proud to represent Valletta for its heritage, for its history, for its people.”

Summer upgrades

Over the summer, one highlight was the introduction of a new women’s team for the club. Together with this, Valletta BC have invested heavily into its men’s team which last season suffered throughout its debut campaign which saw them only win one game in all competitions. Unlike last season, Valletta have already matched their record with a Division One win earlier in October. 

Speaking to Malta Basketball, Savaya, who is also the head coach of the team’s men’s and women’s teams said their target was always to upgrade.

“Our main target is always to upgrade, always to improve year after year. Our main goal was definitely the Valletta men. Our secondary goal was to push for a women’s team, and improve the basketball women’s side, especially, because they kind of lack attention in a way like supporting-wise and the number of teams,” he explained. 

Valletta BC's Women's team stand for a team photo.
Valletta BC women’s team photo. PHOTO | Olaf Mckay

“Hopefully, hand-in-hand with the basketball association, we will be able to get to their targets and our targets, especially when you’ve seen lately in the past five small countries’ tournaments or championships, Malta has always been in the final, whether for the men or the women – great results.

“So (Malta) is a great place, it’s a hotspot to have teams and to upgrade and work together as one unit, try to improve. 

“As far as the men’s team is concerned, we upgraded the team by signing more experienced players. With all respect to last year’s players, last year we had a young team, this year we upgraded it because we have higher ambitions, we want to go further in the tournaments. 

“We’re not dreaming, but it should be like a primary target to be in the final four, hopefully.”

Valletta to debut in Sharjah Tournament in 2025

Valletta’s ambition was expressed during the event as Savaya announced the club will be taking part of the Sharjah International Tournament in Dubai in September. 

The competition, which features sides from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Lebanon will now also feature Valletta in 2025.

“Our target is to put Valetta and Malta onto the highest podiums, at the highest level. I would like to announce from this podium that Valetta Basketball Club, on September 5, will be in the sixth Sharjah International Tournament and we will be participating as the first Maltese club to play in such event.”

Asked about this by Malta Basketball, Savaya said it came as an invitation from Ahmed Suleiman, founder of Jam Sport Academy, and that their participation would be the start of a new collaboration.

“It’s kind of a cooperation, because to expand, you need to work with high-aiming people and clubs, so hand-in-hand, hopefully with many clubs that I have good connections with, this will help us build. 

Valletta BC's men's team stand for a team photo.
Valletta BC men’s team photo. PHOTO | Olaf Mckay

“My ultimate aim is hopefully to participate in a European tournament like Starlites did, but Starlites played the qualifications. I respect that as it is a great job as a first step. But we’re aiming to play in the international tournament and to be in the standings, hopefully, and to add to what Starlites did because, in the end, we are together in this. 

“We compete against each other for a cup, but our ultimate goal, is for us as Valletta, Starlites, and the rest to get to the highest point and show the image of basketball, because people underestimate a lot the basketball in Malta, and they don’t know what’s happening. That’s why they downgrade us, but the stats are talking, even last year, many players played in Valletta or played in other clubs and went to Germany, went to Ecuador, went to Kazakhstan, and vice versa. So, hopefully, together, we will stand higher and stronger.”

Jacob Formosa extends Perth Redbacks gig

Malta international Jacob Formosa has extended his experience at NBL1 side Perth Redbacks for yet another season, the Australian club announced.

Formosa, who played for the Malta national team numerous times throughout the years joined the Redbacks after further NBL1 stints with the Joondalup Wolves and the Eastern Suns.  

“Jacob Formosa will be back in The Web for 2025, his third year for the North Perth Community Bank Branch Perth Redbacks,” a club statement read.

Formosa, who averaged around 18 minutes on court per game in the 2024 season, shot 5.2 points per game, 2.7 rebounds, and finished the season fourth in team assists with 2.1 per game. However, the highlight cause to the team’s insistence on his extension is said to be “his stability and leadership in a year with a significant team injury toll.”

“Jake is becoming a heart and soul guy for us,” Redbacks coach Charles Nix said. 

“He has been a massive part of our program for the last two seasons and really stepped up last year while we managed a bunch of injuries. Everyone has noted his huge emphasis on leadership and desire to impact on our culture positively, as well as some real consistency and confidence in his play.”

The Redbacks will be hoping this extension would inspire a better run in the 2025 season. Last season, Perth finished in the elimination stage of the postseason, falling to Lakeside Lightning after a 14th-place ending to the regular season.