Category: Malta Basketball

Demcesen re-signs with Hibernians

Veteran centre Ivan Demcesen has extended his stay at Hibernians for the next two years, the club has confirmed. Demcesen has, since joining the Paolite club, become a mainstay for the team and this extension will surely be a relief for new coach Christos Kousidis, who was confirmed on Tuesday.

The 7’1 centre was at his best last season despite the team falling at the final hurdle in the BOV Division One and will be looking to replicate his form as Hibs seek to level up and fight for the postseason during this coming campaign. 

Last season, Hibs leveraged the newly introduced regulation whereby foreigners who have been living in Malta for over three years would be classified as locals on the court. This meant that Demcesen was no longer restricted to sharing his minutes with the rest of the import players. This worked wonders as the Serbian averaged 23.3 points a game in the league, going up to 24 in the KnockOut and 29 per game in the John Tabone Shield.

Naturally, at such height, grabbing boards is a normality for Demcesen, the Serbian averaging 13.6 rebounds a game across all competitions throughout the last campaign in which he started all but one game from the 24 he played. 

In a statement, Hibs president Ronnie Callejja sounded his enthusiasm towards having Demcesen back for yet another two seasons.

“We are very pleased that Ivan Demcesen has decided to extend his stay with us; his contributions to the team have been invaluable,” Callejja said.

Further changes

After securing a new coach, the club has set its sights on a decent squad depth ahead of the new season, with Malta Basketball aware that the club will be announcing a new local addition to their roster. 

This, added to ongoing negotiations with a few other players, should be an important push for Hibs to challenge for silverware after a tough run these past few years. 

Malta’s FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Lessons

The FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 in Andorra marked a significant milestone for the Malta national basketball team under the new guidance of coach Duncan Fenech. Appointed in February, Fenech brought his experience from Luxol to the national stage, to lead a roster of players mostly coming from the local Division One who performed in a way that exceeded expectations by the end of the tournament.

Malta’s roster was nevertheless bolstered by three overseas players: veteran centre Samuel Deguara, Michael Sjoberg, and Joshua Tomasi.

Deguara, arriving late due to commitments in Taiwan, missed the opening game against Gibraltar. His absence was felt as Malta fell to an 89-81 defeat. Nevertheless, Deguara’s impact was immediate and profound once he stepped on the court. In the subsequent game against San Marino, he dominated, leading Malta to a resounding 92-52 victory. His performance not only highlighted his critical role but also propelled him to the top scorer of the tournament, earning him the MVP award by Sunday’s final day.

In a statement after the tournament, coach Fenech said late arrivals hindered preparation.

“We were unable to prepare for the tournament with a complete squad mostly due to the fact that Joshua (Tomasi) and Sam (Deguara) could only join us just before the start due to club commitments. However, we picked up and improved to build momentum for the semi-final,” he said.

“In many ways, this tournament presented a different challenge as we relied mostly on homegrown players to lead the team throughout this journey. Our players managed to gain confidence and performed well to make it to the final.”

Michael Sjoberg’s return to the national team after a prolonged absence added another layer of strength. The Switzerland-based Maltese power forward made a notable impact with 19 points off the bench in the opening game against Gibraltar. His presence provided much-needed depth and versatility to Malta’s lineup.

David Bugeja, a key player for Mellieha Libertas last season, stood out as one of the main orchestrators on the court. Averaging 13.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, Bugeja’s consistent performance and leadership were instrumental in Malta’s journey to the final. His drive to compensate for missing out on the Division One title with Mellieha Libertas was evident as he started in all five games.

Youngster Neil Cassar, who spent last season on loan at Valletta Fighters, was given an opportunity against San Marino and made the most of his limited minutes, showcasing confidence with a dunk among his contributions.

The Malta National Team photo.
The Malta squad at this year’s FIBA Small European Countries Championships. Photo: FIBA

Meanwhile, Luxol’s Nathan Xuereb and Starlites’ Ian Felice Pace took on the starting guards’ role. Despite previously losing his spot to Eric Washington at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), Xuereb averaged a solid nine points per game, proving his reliability in crucial moments. Felice Pace, while not as prominent on offence, was a crucial part of Malta’s defence. The Malta youngster showed confidence in his play, repaying the faith by his coach.

Malta Expectations

Malta’s community may have had high expectations due to the generally favourable draw. However, the absence of usual key players like Aaron Falzon, Tevin Falzon, and Nelson Kahler, who were unavailable for the call-up to this tournament due to other personal commitments, was a point of concern. These omissions initially appeared risky, but Fenech’s strategy demonstrated faith in the local talent available and the selected roster.

The results reflected a tournament of fluctuating fortunes for Malta. After their initial defeat to Gibraltar, they bounced back emphatically against San Marino. The game against hosts Andorra was a tightly contested affair, but Malta fell short with a score of 82-78. In the semifinal, Malta redeemed their earlier loss by defeating Gibraltar 85-79, setting up a rematch with Andorra in the final. Despite a valiant effort, Malta was edged out 84-79, securing the runner-up position.

“Andorra were always the favourites, playing in front of their home crowd with relatively young and talented players. That said, we always believed we had the quality to make it,” Fenech remarked.

“We are very proud of our players as they gave their all and only fell short of winning the top prize in the last stages of the final game.”

Report Card

Offence: A-

Malta showcased an impressive offensive strategy, particularly highlighted by Deguara’s dominance and Bugeja’s consistent contributions. The team’s ability to recover from the opening loss and post high-scoring games demonstrated effective offensive plays.

Defence: B

While Malta had strong defensive moments, their ability to hold off opponents like Andorra in crucial moments was a mixed bag. Improvement in maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game is needed.

Team Cohesion: B+

The integration of locally-based players with overseas talents was mostly successful. However, the late arrival of key players like Deguara and Tomasi did pose some challenges.

Coaching: B+

Coach Fenech’s debut together with assistants Brandon Cassar Saguna and Omar Said was promising, reflecting a balanced approach and strategic risk-taking. The decision to rely on local talents showcased depth but highlighted areas for further integration and synergy.

Overall Performance: B+

Malta’s journey to the final, coupled with strong individual performances and team resilience, marked a positive campaign. Despite falling short in the final, the team’s progression under new leadership is an indicator for future tournaments.

Malta’s performance at the FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 was a testament to their evolving strength and potential under Coach Fenech’s new regime. The mix of local and overseas players demonstrated promising synergy, setting a solid foundation for future international competitions.

Julian Naudi takes over as Depiro women’s coach

Former youth coach Julian Naudi has been promoted to Depiro‘s senior women’s coach for the coming season, the Mtarfa club announced on Tuesday.

This announcement, together with the confirmation of Sasha Dimitrijevic has marked the start of a transitional summer for the club as Baldacchino duo Ruben and Adrian both departed at the end of the season. Now Depiro look to herald a new era with a new committee and new coaching routes.

Naudi, who previously led the club’s youth teams as well as the men’s team, now makes a step upward to take over a Depiro women’s side that won the Knock Out and finished as runners-up to Caffe Moak Luxol in the league after a majestic run that led them to being crowned regular season champions in May.

In a club statement, new president John Vella said Naudi shares the club’s vision.

“The Depiro Sports Club Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Naudi as Senior Women Squad Coach. Julian has extensive experience both as a player and as a coach, and has been successful at developing grassroots-level squads within the club,” Vella said.

“He embodies the same principles that drive the club and will be an asset to the Team and all its members, with youth and local talent at the core of our combined approach to basketball.”

Last season, Depiro put on the Ta’ Qali Pavilion’s court a few of Malta’s finest players and while Jamaican centre Jose Ann Johnson is set for a move after her contract expired at the end of last season, Naudi will be hoping to keep hold of the rest of his stars to continue building on last season’s drastic improvements.

Hibernians appoint Kousidis, Buhagiar as senior teams’ coaches

Coach Christos Kousidis is heading to Hibernians this season after a successful season with Athleta as the club pushes for a new future. Former Hibs women coach Winnie Buhagiar has also returned to the club to lead the female squad this coming season.

Hibernians announced their latest appointments on Tuesday as part of a restructuring of the club ahead of next season which brings to the Paolite club the former Athleta mentor who managed to secure playoff basketball for the side after several years in the shadows.

In a club statement, Hibs said former coach Mario Tabone will be taking on a new role within the club’s administration, working alongside President Ronnie Callejja and Nursery Head Coach Tony Cassar to further strenghten the club’s position in Malta.

This vacancy made way for Kousidis to work in hopes of replicating a positive campaign in which he led the Gzira-based side to a third-place regular season finish in the BOV Division One. Now he takes over a side which had an impressive start to last season but faltered at the business end, missing the playoffs after being overtaken by Depiro in the final stages.

Meanwhile, Buhagiar, who is far from a new name among the Hibs community, will be tasked with rebuilding the squad which has suffered throughout the past few seasons as the club will be hoping for a breath of fresh air in a MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League campaign which will now include six clubs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christos Kousidis and Winnie Buhagiar to our club. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our goals,” President Ronnie Callejja said in the club statement.

“With a proven track record and a wealth of experience in baketball and in Malta, Christos Kousidis is expected to bring fresh strategies and an innovative approach to the team.

“Winnie Buhagiar will be leading the Women’s Senior Team. Known for sterling career, winning all major trophies as a player with Siggiewi and Hibernians, Winnie is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance and competitive spirit.

“Additionally, Mario Tabone’s shift to an administrative role will undoubtedly enhance and strenghten our strategic planning and execution.”

Innovative enhancement

Kousidis brings with him a sense of energy and enthusiasm which seems to be desired among the Hibs camp. With an animated following at Ta’ Qali last season, the team had support which pushed them towards their goal.

On the other hand, Hibs’ season was largely dependent on the prowess of Ivan Demcesen and US import Mason Hix, who faced an unfortunate end to his Maltese basketball season after a doping accusation during the Knock Out, together with fellow import player Nick Brennen. Hibs managed to secure former Valletta Fighters forward Keith Charleston for the final part of the regular season but failed to reach the points threshold.

In the Women’s League, Hibs appeared to show effort under Sandro Farrugia’s mentorship. However, they were no match with powerhouses Depiro, Luxol and Starlites who all won silverware last season.

Now they will seek to follow the strategy of Farrugia’s former colleague within the Malta Women’s Under-18 National Team as Buhagiar takes over again after her stint with Hibernians in 2014.

Xuereb extends contract with Luxol

Malta international Nathan Xuereb has re-signed with Luxol for yet another season, sources tell Malta Basketball.

Xuereb, who joined the Violets last summer after 13 years at Athleta had a solid first season under coach Duncan Fenech despite missing out on a spot in the playoffs. At Luxol, the 22-year-old played 20 games last season across all competitions, averaging 17.2 points a game.

The Pembroke-based club is yet to announce this extension. However, it was already looking like their way forward last season, with Xuereb playing a key part of Fenech’s roster as his playmaker. In fact, Xuereb was second in scoring for the team behind American big man Tariq Woody, the pair both starting every game they’ve played. While Woody opted to depart from the club towards a move to Serhedci PIK Baku in the Azerbaijani League, Xuereb rejoins the team led by Malta’s national team coach for another bout this coming season.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that the Malta guard has settled in well at the club with an extension being his top priority at this stage of his career despite interest from other local clubs this summer.

Xuereb has, this summer, been part of the Malta national team contingent in Andorra for the FIBA european Small Countries championships where Malta finished second. He was the team’s starting point guard for all five games played averaging 9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

With Woody already gone and Xuereb secured, Luxol will be pushing for reinforcements to aid the young nucleus and the experience of JP Schembri and Marko Matijevic.

Last season, Luxol finished in the penultimate spot of the BOV Division One in spite of a good start to the campaign, as priority seemed to be revolving around development of the younger core of players. One awaits to see what changes will be made this coming season.

A featured image for an article about Depiro's new coach Sasha Dimitrijevic

Sasha Dimitrijevic named new Depiro coach

In a move to revitalise their coaching staff following the departure of Baldacchino brothers Ruben and Adrian, who led the men’s and women’s teams respectively, Depiro Sports Club has announced the appointment of former Athleta mentor Sasha Dimitrijevic as the new coach for their Senior Men’s team, as well as Head Coach of their Basketball Nursery.

This move sees Depiro revert to a foreign coach after Welshman James Bamfield and American Brian Semonian were replaced by Baldacchino, who took the team to the playoffs last season as the fourth-seed.

In a club statement, Dimitrijevic expressed his gratitude and excitement about the new role.

“I’d like to thank the board of Depiro Sports Club for this incredible opportunity. We share a unified vision and goal: to develop our local young players and give them the chance to compete at the highest level. Serious work lies ahead, but we’re ready for the challenge and excited to build something great together,” Dimitrijevic said.

John Vella, the newly appointed President of Depiro Sports Club, also shared his enthusiasm about Dimitrijevic’s appointment.

“The newly elected Depiro Sports Club committee has as the centre of its role the advancement of sport, education, and the community involvement of youth and society. To this latter end, we are pleased to announce the engagement of Coach Sasha Dimitrijevic.

“Sasha has always prioritised youth and put the development of a sound and comprehensive youth development framework at the core of his philosophy. This aligns directly with the club’s aims, and thus we are convinced that together the wellbeing and future of our basketball section can move forward to improve our teams and Maltese basketball in general. Welcome, Sasha!” Vella expressed.

Dimitrijevic’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team. Known for his emphasis on youth development, Dimitrijevic has built a reputation for fostering young talent and preparing them for high-level competition and the club stressed that his philosophy aligns perfectly with Depiro’s mission to not only achieve success on the court but also to contribute positively to the community and the sport’s future in Malta.

Deguara wins MVP award at FIBA European Small Countries Championships

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Samuel Deguara was named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA European Small Countries Championship held in Andorra. The Malta centre was instrumental in his team’s impressive run to the final, despite narrowly missing out on the championship with an 84-79 defeat to Andorra on the final day.

Deguara, who plays professionally for the Taiwan Mustangs, missed Malta’s opening game against Gibraltar but made an immediate impact upon his return. His presence on the court proved vital as Malta secured their place in the final, finishing as runners-up in the tournament.

Samuel Degara stats from this year’s FIBA European Small Countries Championships.

Throughout the championship, Deguara’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. He led the tournament in scoring, averaging 22 points per game in just 19.1 minutes of play. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 80% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line.

In addition to his scoring prowess, Deguara dominated the boards, leading the tournament with an average of 13.3 rebounds per game. He also contributed defensively with 0.3 blocks and 0.3 steals per game, alongside 1 assist per game. His all-around performance included three double-doubles against San Marino, Andorra, and Gibraltar in the semifinal.

Malta’s success in the tournament was undoubtedly driven by Deguara’s leadership and skill. His ability to control the game both offensively and defensively made him an invaluable asset to his team.

The tournament’s conclusion may have seen Malta fall short of the championship, but Deguara’s achievements have certainly left a lasting impression. His MVP award is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance throughout the competition.

As Malta’s most experienced centre, Deguara’s success at the FIBA European Small Countries Championship highlights his significant contributions to Maltese basketball and his potential for future international success.

Melgoza named FIBA European Small Countries Women’s Championship MVP

Malta’s star guard Amber Melgoza was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Sunday at the FIBA European Small Countries Women’s Championships in Kosovo. This accolade comes after an exceptional display of skill and determination throughout the tournament, underscoring her pivotal role in Malta’s impressive journey to the final.

Amber Melgoza’s stats at the 2024 FIBA European Small Countries Championships.

Melgoza’s outstanding performance was highlighted by her remarkable statistics. She averaged an impressive 39.3 minutes of play per game, demonstrating her endurance and commitment on the court. Her scoring prowess was evident as she averaged 19.6 points per game, boasting a 55% field goal percentage, 66.7% from the free-throw line, and 20% from three-point range.

In addition to her scoring, Melgoza was a force in rebounding, averaging 10.8 rebounds per game. Her defensive skills were on full display with an average of 3.2 steals per game. Furthermore, she showcased her playmaking abilities by averaging 3.8 assists per game. Except for the opening fixture against Kosovo, she finished with a double-double in every match, underscoring her all-around capabilities.

Despite Malta’s narrow 61-54 defeat to Norway in the final, Melgoza’s contributions were crucial to her team’s success. This was Malta’s only loss in the entire tournament, a testament to their strong performance throughout.

Melgoza’s impact on the Malta national team has been profound. This tournament marked her second appearance for Malta, having made her debut last year in the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE 2023) held in Malta. Her experience with Cadi La Seu has evidently translated into significant contributions on the international stage.

Malta National Team Gears Up for FIBA Small Countries of Europe Championship

As the FIBA Small Countries of Europe Championship tips off on Tuesday, all eyes are on Malta’s National Team. Under the guidance of newly appointed coach Duncan Fenech, Malta will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament, which kicks off with a series of crucial matches.

Duncan Fenech took over the reins as Malta’s head coach in February, following the departure of American coach Alan Walls. Fenech, who also leads BOV Division One side Luxol, was Walls’ assistant last year and has since stepped up to the challenge. With his deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and strategic mindset, Fenech aims to steer Malta to victory.

Central to Malta’s strategy will be Samuel Deguara, Malta’s “cheat code” in the centre position. Deguara, currently playing in Taiwan, has been a pivotal player for the national team over the years. His towering presence and skill set make him a constant size mismatch for opponents, and he is expected to play a crucial role in Fenech’s rotation.

Kurt Cassar, seen as the heir to Deguara’s throne, is a young centre with the ability to shoot from deep. Playing in the Italian Serie B, Cassar has had an impressive club season and is eager to replicate his form in Andorra. Meanwhile, Maltese-Australian forward Joshua Tomasi made a notable debut in the GSSE 2023 with his athleticism and strength. After a season that took him from Malta to Spain and then Australia, Tomasi brings solid defence and powerful offence to the team.

Returning to the national setup after several years is Maltese-Swedish forward Michael Sjoberg, who adds height and experience to the squad. Sjoberg’s presence is expected to bolster Malta’s frontcourt.

Local-based majority

Luxol-based point guard Nathan Xuereb will play his third tournament with the national team. Xuereb impressed in previous FIBA games and is set to be a key player in the starting five, especially with the absence of American-born guard Eric Washington.

Malta’s captain, David Bugeja, brings invaluable leadership and experience to the team. His on-court vision makes him a central figure in Fenech’s strategy. Additionally, Alec Felice Pace, having led Starlites to a local quadruple, aims to carry this momentum into the national team. His energy and performance will be crucial for Malta.

A rising star in Maltese basketball, Neil Cassar, has earned a spot on the national team after a standout season on loan with Valletta Fighters. His size and athleticism are key to Malta’s transition play.

Fenech Selects Squad for FIBA European Championship for Small Countries 2024

Starlites duo Kurt Xuereb and Matthew Scerri returned from long-term injuries this season and were pivotal in their team’s title win. Their energy and resilience will be assets for Malta.

Young talents Miguel Brincat and Ian Felice Pace add depth to the squad. Ian Felice Pace, the BOV Knock Out’s leading assister, and Brincat, known for his long-range shooting, will provide Malta with diverse offensive options.

Malta will face Gibraltar on Tuesday, San Marino on Wednesday, and Andorra on Thursday. Success in these games will be crucial for better seeding in the semifinals on Saturday, potentially securing a place in the final on Sunday.

Malta’s Women’s National Team Primed for FIBA Small Countries Championship

As the FIBA Small Countries of Europe Women’s Championship tip off on Tuesday, the Malta Women’s National Team, under the new guidance of coach Charles Bonnici, is set to showcase its talent and determination in Pristina, Kosovo.

Bonnici, a familiar name in Maltese women’s basketball, took over the reins earlier this year from Angela Adamoli. Known for his success with Starlites, where he led the team to a title, Bonnici brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the national squad.

Amber Melgoza, after an impressive debut last year at the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE 2023), returns as Malta’s offensive powerhouse. Her speed and technical prowess, honed from a successful season in Spain, make her a crucial asset. Melgoza’s scoring ability was pivotal in GSSE, and she is expected to be the focal point of Malta’s attack once again.

Another key player is Steffi De Martino, a veteran stalwart known for her lethal three-point shooting. Her experience and consistency have been invaluable to the team over the years. Opponents will need to be vigilant of her ability to change the game’s dynamic with her shooting skills.

Josephine Diaby, the most experienced player on the roster, comes into the championship buoyed by a domestic double victory with Caffe Moak Luxol. As the team’s primary threat on the boards and in close-range shooting, her presence in the paint will be critical.

Danika Galea, touted as Malta’s hottest prospect, will be in motivated form after securing a commitment to the NCAA Division 1. Her MVP performance at the under-18 FIBA Division C Championships last year speaks volumes of her potential. With a robust playing style, her contributions on both ends of the court will be essential.

Bonnici Selects Squad for FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries in Kosovo

Ylenia Bonett, having played in Iceland and Austria, brings polished skills and valuable international experience. Her rapid fastbreaks and relentless energy will be pivotal in Malta’s transitional play.

Kristy Galea, Depiro’s standout player this past season, has demonstrated exceptional shooting and basketball IQ. Her form from the US and a strong season locally, capped by the Knock Out final MVP, highlight her capabilities.

Malta defensive strength

Sophie Abela, known for her defensive prowess, provides leadership and playmaking. Her ability to withstand contact and find open teammates will be crucial for Malta’s game plan.

Forwards Claire Ciantar and Marie Buhagiar bring size and rebounding ability. Ciantar, a co-captain for Depiro, and Buhagiar, despite a challenging season with Hibernians, are key defensive players.

The Starlites trio, Mikela Riolo, Maria Bonett, and Michela Zammit Cordina, coached previously by Bonnici, bring chemistry and complementary skills to the team. Riolo’s technique, Bonett’s pivoting, and Zammit Cordina’s speed make them a formidable unit.

Malta will face a challenging schedule in Pristina, starting with Kosovo on Tuesday, followed by Georgia on Wednesday, and Cyprus on Thursday. Each match presents its own set of challenges, but with the blend of veteran experience and young talent, Malta’s Women’s National Team is poised to make a significant impact.