Category: Malta Basketball

Valletta sign Mifsud Bonnici as Savaya stays

Valletta Basketball Club have been a busy club this summer, as they push to make inroads into Division One and after the statement signings of Piotr Stelmach and Nikola Vasovic in July, the capital club announced on Friday former Athleta guard Francesco Mifsud Bonnici to their roster for the coming season.

“We are thrilled to announce Francesco Mifsud Bonnici as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” a club statement read.

“Cesco brings a huge experience with his portfolio.  He has won the under-19, under-23, three Second Division titles and a bunch of First Division cups.

“Francesco was also nominated Most Valuable Player in the under-19 category and next season will be his 10th season in the highest division. He also represented Malta in various FIBA competitions, including winning a gold medal with the under 16 and also a historic participation in the under 20 FIBA Division B.”

Mifsud Bonnici was part of the Athleta squad that proved itself to be the dark horses of the Division One Championship under coach Christos Kousidis.

The 25-year-old started 18 out of 20 games played with Athleta in all competitions last season. He averaged 4.6 points and 4.8 assists, with close to two steals per game as Athleta made it to the playoffs as the league’s third seed.

Savaya back in charge

Now Mifsud Bonnici joins a Valletta side that no longer looks like a team in need of direction after a shaky debut last season. The Citizens have since then rebranded and made significant additions to their squad in order to hit the ground running this time around. 

Earlier this week, the club reconfirmed technical director Harry Savaya to his role at the club where he will be taking on not only the men’s teams but also the newly introduced women’s team.

“We are thrilled to introduce the driving force behind Valletta Basketball Club — our Technical Director, Harry Savaya!” Valletta said in a statement.

“Harry brings with him a wealth of international experience and a history of top achievements. Among many successes in his career, he was crowned Jordan Cup winner, and during the South East Asian Games, he led the Cambodian national teams to gold and silver victories. With a remarkable career as a national team and First Division head coach, Harry has also earned the prestigious Coach of the Year title in four different countries. 

“With his unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the game, Harry will be leading both our senior teams in the upcoming coming season.”

Starlites announce Mortensen signing

It’s been a summer of introductions for Starlites as title-holders have so far welcomed no less than five players into their squad. On Thursday, they announced their fifth signing of the window when they named American forward Kolten Mortensen to their roster.

“Welcome to the Starlites community, Kolten Mortensen! Coming off a positive season playing in Germany, Mortensen will form part of the VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Men squad this season,” a club statement read.

The Utah native joins the team after a season in the German ProB with BBC Coburg where he averaged 11.7 points and 27.5 minutes in 27 games played. Shooting 62.1% from close range and 75% from the freethrow line, Starlites will be hoping Mortensen can keep up his accuracy coming into the new season, and more importantly their debut in the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers next month.

On defence, the 6’7 American 5.6 rebounds and close to a steal per game last season in Germany, having joined after his college basketball experience with the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers in the NCAA Division Two.

He now heads to Malta to join a Starlites team that will be defending all the trophies available in the local basketball league. 

“I’m pumped for the opportunity to join the Starlites organisation, and looking forward to getting out there and helping the team to continue having success,” Mortensen told the club’s socials.

Mortensen is the fourth import signing of the summer after the club announced fellow American Trevon Reddish-Rhone, Canadian Joe Davis, and most recently American Max Curran. Together with the confirmation of former Depiro player Andrew Aquilina, Starlites have now filled the void left by backcourt duo Alec Felice Pace – who departed to play in Germany – and Matt Attard, as well as import trio Kurt James – who moved to Athleta – Davonte Craven, and Christian Hinckson.

Starlites make their first appearance in the FIBA Europe Cup later on in September when they face Anorthosis Famagusta in the qualifying stage.

Valletta BC Women announce Sabrina Abugrin signing

After Malta Basketball’s report bringing to light the introduction of Valletta Basketball’s women’s team, the Citizens have now announced their first of numerous signings this summer, naming Maltese-Libyan player Sabrina Abugrin to their squad.

Abugrin is no new face to local basketball after having played in youth categories with Athleta and Hibernians. Now she returns to the local scene after having switched to Netball a few years ago, reaching new heights to be also named the Malta Netball national team’s vice-captain.

“We are proud to announce the women’s basketball team competing in the highest division of the Malta Basketball Association,” A Valletta statement read.

“Sabrina Abugrin will be joining us in this new adventure for the club of the capital. 

“She’s 176cm tall and her favourite basketball player is the legendary Kobe Bryant. She has vast experience in the junior categories with Athleta and Hibernians.”

The 25-year-old now joins a Valletta side that has been building up to its debut in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League season under coach Harry Savaya and assistant Daniel Bugeja. 

Abugrin is one of many players returning to the game to join Valletta as sources have said the team will be comprised mostly of those returning players together with a few players from around the local league – including what is said to be two players from Fusion Quest, who opted out of next season – as well as a professional import player to complement the team.

From information seen by Malta Basketball, the team will also be playing under the name Valletta Lionesses.

Christian Narciso named Hibernians coach

In a summer of changes within Hibernians BC, another has been now confirmed as Italian mentor Christian Narciso becomes the club’s new head coach for the coming season, the club has announced.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Christian Narciso as the new Head Coach for our Men’s Senior Team,” a Hibs statement read.

“We can’t wait to see him lead our squad to new heights this season. Let’s give him a warm welcome and get ready for an incredible journey ahead!”

Sources had told Malta Basketball that former Mellieha Libertas coach Narciso was top of Hibs’ shortlist to replace Christos Kousidis, who was dismissed earlier this month. 

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

However, after internal issues, the two parties sought different futures and while Kousidis is on the verge of a move to Serbia to join Red Star as part of the team’s staff for preseason, the club was looking to confirm the Greek coach’s replacement ahead of their own preseason which was set to start in the latter part of August. 

In turn, Narciso, who is said to have been approached before talks with Kousidis had begun after last season, was contacted for the role again.

The Italian mentor had been out of a contract since the end of his stint in the Italian Serie B with Orlandina and while rumours had pitted him as the returning Mellieha coach, the Northern club opted out of the new Division One season earlier this summer. 

Now, Narciso brings to Paola his Serie B experience as well as the knowledge from his past stint in Malta at Libertas where he won the Louis Borg Cup in 2023.

Hibs have already secured the extension of Serbian center Ivan Demcesen and the signing of former Athleta forward Matthew Gouder. Meanwhile, guard Nikola Vasovic has departed the club in favour of a move to Valletta Basketball Club. 

Starlites sign US forward Max Curran

In a summer of preparation for the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers, Starlites announced another player to their roster on Tuesday, American power forward Max Curran joining the team.

The 6’9 player was on the books of Portuguese side UD Oliveirense in his first season as a professional player after his time in the NCAA Division One with the University of Maryland – Baltimore County (UMBC), Florida Southern College, and eventually the University of Detroit Mercy.

At Oliveirense, Curran was up against opposition like SL Benfica, CAB Madeira and FC Porto who all dominate Portuguese basketball every year. Nevertheless, Curran and his teammates made it to the semifinals of the Portuguese playoffs where their run ended against Benfica.

“A big welcome to Max Curran, joining the Starlites family all the way from New Hampshire, USA. Max joins our VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Senior Men squad this season and will surely fit in well with the rest of the roster due to his versatility and experience,” a Starlites statement read.

Curran now joins a Starlites team which is stacking up for their debut in European waters as well as their defence of the quadruple they achieved last season under coach Paul Ferrante.

Speaking to the club’s socials, Curran showed his desire to bring home another title.

“I am extremely excited and blessed for the opportunity to play in Malta, and I am most looking forward to competing and performing at a high level all season, and helping bring home another championship for Starlites!” Curran said.

Tevin Falzon named Lakers coaching associate 

Former Malta international Tevin Falzon will be taking the next step in his basketball career, this time, away from being one of the five on court but as part of the coaching staff, and where other than the NBA. 

On Sunday, Falzon announced he will be joining the Los Angeles Lakers as a coaching associate for the coming season. This means he will be calling time on his playing career to join Lakers head coach JJ Reddick’s staff as they head into another NBA season.

The 32-year-old, born in Massachusetts opted to stay put in the US this summer when Malta played their annual commitments in the FIBA Small Countries Championships, with signs now pointing to his preparation for the new role in the world’s highest-ranked league, home to star-studded rosters like that of the Lakers.

Confirming the move on his socials, Falzon will now be using his experience playing at various European clubs to assist Reddick in handling responsibilities such as coordinating offensive strategies, defensive schemes, player development and various other tasks for the team led by LeBron James.

The Lakers finished the 2023-2024 NBA season in seventh place in the Western Conference. They had a record of 47-35 and made it to the playoffs where they were eliminated in the first round by the Golden State Warriors in six games.

This is the first time a Maltese person has ever been directly involved with the NBA in any capacity, Falzon making history with this appointment.

Falzon last played in Spain with Fundación Globalcaja La Roda where he joined in January for the second part of the season. The Spanish Tercera FEB club had referred to him as a ‘luxury reinforcement’ with a great outside shot. Falzon went on to play 10 games before the season’s end.

Nelly Lee Pace commits to Benedictine University Mesa

Maltese youngster Nelly Lee Pace will be continuing his American experience at college level this coming season after committing to NAIA side Benedictine University Mesa on a basketball scholarship.

This move, confirmed by NextUpRecruitment on Saturday, takes Pace back to the US after his time at Ascending Life Prep school last season. The former Depiro and Mellieha Libertas player however will be crediting his longer spell in the UK at Sheffield College as the biggest contributor to him securing what Malta Basketball can confirm was the winner of six offers the guard had received.

At Arizona-based Ascending Life, where he joined after three years in Sheffield, Pace spent six months in the National Basketball and College Preparatory Boarding Program.

Now Pace will be heading back to Arizona to play in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), considered the highest NAIA league, with the BenU Redhawks under headcoach Frank Woodford. 

When reached out to by Malta Basketball, Pace said his goal for the new season was to win games.

“For anyone that knows me knows that since I was a little kid, it was my wish to play collegiate basketball in the United States, but unfortunately in Malta, we’re told it’s impossible and not worth it,” Pace said. 

“For me to defy those odds it truly means a lot, also the fact I have made numerous sacrifices – this is my fifth consecutive year being away from my family in the winter. 

“Coming in as a freshman at BenU, my goal is to help Coach win games – simple. I truly believe I can be helpful this upcoming season which will be a great start going into my Junior year and so on. 

“For any Maltese athlete of any sport, please keep your head high and don’t listen to anyone as the only person that knows what is best for you, is you.”

Starlites announce Andrew Aquilina signing

A few weeks after Malta Basketball’s report that former Depiro captain Andrew Aquilina was leaving the Mtarfa club to join Starlites, the Malta champions made this news official with an announcement on Saturday.

“We are pleased to announce that Andrew Aquilina has joined the Starlites community for the upcoming season!” A Starlites statement read. 

“Andrew has been playing in the Maltese Senior league since a very young age and his experience and leadership will give a great boost to our VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Men squad this year.”

Earlier in July, Starlites coach Paul Ferrante had hinted that the club had found a local guard to help cover for the loss of captain Alec Felice Pace and fellow guard Matt Attard with sources telling Malta Basketball it was to be Aquilina.

The veteran got his release from Depiro over the summer, leaving the club after over a combined decade.

Now he joins Starlites at a crucial time when the Naxxar-based club prepares for its debut in FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers in September. 

Speaking to the club’s socials, Aquilina said he wanted to contribute to the club’s ongoing development.

Depiro’s Aquilina set for Division One switch

“I’m happy to be a part of this amazing bunch of individuals who are renowned for their dedication to quality and great work ethic,” Aquilina told the club’s socials.

“Incorporating some of my experience into the squad will allow me to hopefully contribute to the club’s ongoing development of its rich recent history. I think that by working together, we can contend for every title this season and accomplish something exceptional.”

Said takes over assistant coach role

Meanwhile, Starlites announced further updates, promoting youth coach Omar Said to the Under-19 and Division 2 men’s teams headcoach while giving him a spot beside senior headcoach Ferrante as his assistant in the first division and Under-23s.

“Former U16 Boys Head Coach Omar Said will take on the new role of Assistant Coach on our Senior Men’s team and U23 Men’s team,” a club statement read. 

“In addition, he will also be Head Coach for the U19 Men and 2nd Division Men squads. We believe his vast expertise in the local and international scenes will prove fruitful in the development of our young athletes as well as our VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Senior squad for the upcoming season.”

In a comment to the club’s socials, Said, who was in charge of Malta’s Under-16 boys’ team at this summer’s FIBA Eurobasket Division C, said he felt fortunate to be handed this opportunity.

“This is a great opportunity with the EuroCup coming up for Starlites Basketball club and I am very fortunate and grateful to be given the opportunity to be part of the coaching staff and assist a very respected coach like Paul (Ferrante),” he said. 

“I am sure that I will learn a lot and grow in my very young senior coaching career. Over and above this I hope that I will be able to give the players my experience from my past playing career on and off the court. Already in the first week of training, I am enjoying my time with the players and hopefully help them prepare well for the interesting upcoming season.”

Bukva switches Depiro for Luxol

A few hours after Luxol announced the signing of former Mellieha Libertas forward Vukasin Jandric, the Violets made official another addition to their squad when they named Nenad Bukva as their latest signing of the summer after his being linked with a move for some time. 

“Nenad Bukva is now purple!” A club statement read.

“Having played in the top division in Malta for a number of years, we’re happy that Nenad has now joined our club bringing in a big dose of experience in our men’s team. Welcome to the club!”

Bukva joins from fellow Division One club Depiro, another side that has made numerous changes over the summer, after playing 24 games last season – 13 of which as a starter. At the Mtarfa club, he averaged 8.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season.

Now the Serbian forward, who plays as a local foreigner, joins Duncan Fenech’s roster as the team’s fourth summer addition after the side confirmed US imports Darron Howard and Caleb Jones-McCrary, as well as compatriot Jandric who returned to the club from Mellieha Libertas. 

Luxol will be aiming to push for a stronger run this coming season with these new players and the extension of Malta guard Nathan Xuereb after a troubled finish in the last campaign which saw them miss out on the playoffs in the penultimate spot of the BOV Division One standings. 

Starlites’ Kurt James moves to Athleta

After an impressive season at Starlites, where he helped the team secure a quadruple after joining in November just after the Super Cup and the John Tabone Shield victories, American big man Kurt James has moved to Division One rivals Athleta, Malta Basketball can confirm. 

James was one of the highest-performing players in the Maltese top division, averaging 24.7 points per game across all competitions. Throughout the 19 games played, 14 of which he was a starter for Starlites, James hit 50.2% from the field, 44.7% from three-point range, and 71.8% from the freethrow line.

On defence, James’ height and strength gave him a boost and eventually, the American power forward averaged 12.1 rebounds with 0.6 blocks and 3.0 steals per game. 

He was instrumental to Paul Ferrante’s clan but it seems both parties have opted to go their separate ways nonetheless with James now joining new coach Sandro Farrugia at Athleta as the Maroons aim to maintain their momentum after a third-place regular season finish last season. 

The Maroons confirmed Malta Basketball reports with an official announcement on Saturday welcoming him to the club.

“We’re proud to welcome Kurt James to our club. Kurt James played professionally two times in Portugal, Spain, Argentina, and Malta. This will be his second season in Malta after playing with Starlites last season,” a club statement read.

Speaking to the club’s socials James sounded his enthusiasm to towards the challenge.

“I’m very happy to be a part of Athleta Basketball Club this season,” James said.

“Thank you Joe Galea, Peter Farrugia, Sandro Farrugia, and the rest of the Athleta committee for giving me an opportunity to continue playing the game that I love at a high level. I look forward to representing the club in the best way to the fullest of my abilities.

“I’m excited for the challenge of competing in the 1st league with a relatively young team. I look forward to meeting my teammates and the rest of the Athleta family.”

James is the club’s third new signing of the summer after the club confirmed former Mellieha Libertas duo Isaac Bonnett and Robert Vitale. With this new trio, the Gzira-based club have also replaced the departing Piotr Stelmach, Matthew Gouder, and Luca Stefanovic who have all left for Valletta Fighters, Hibernians, and Depiro respectively this summer.

The 6’5 29-year-old had joined Starlites as a replacement for Malik Lorquet after stints in Argentina, Portugal, and in the LEB Silver, Spain’s third tier, with Madrid side Zentro Basket.