Category: Malta Basketball

Sharpshooter Jandric returns to Luxol

Close to two months after Malta Basketball reported his possible return, Serbian forward Vukasin Jandric is back at Luxol after the Violets confirmed his move from Mellieha Libertas on Wednesday.

In a statement, the club showed its enthusiasm, welcoming Jandric back home. 

“Vule Jandric Rejoins Luxol Basketball Club!” The statement read. 

“We are thrilled to announce that Vule Jandric is returning to Luxol Basketball Club for the upcoming season! Vule has been a key player in past seasons, and his return marks an exciting chapter for our team. Vule will also be coaching both our U14 boys teams. 

“We look forward to seeing him in action and contributing to what promises to be a thrilling season. Welcome back, Vule! Let’s make this season one to remember.” 

Jandric makes his Luxol comeback after three seasons in Mellieha where he was part of the squad that won the club’s only-ever senior trophy under former coach Christian Narciso.

However, with the Northern club officially disbanded at senior level due to lack of support, the club’s players were back on the market as free agents. Since then, the team’s imports headed back home, David Bugeja moved to Depiro, Isaac Bonnett and Robert Vitale joined Athleta, and now Jandric is going back to join coach Duncan Fenech as an exciting addition to the roster.

Last season, Jandric started 20 of the 21 games he played under coach Ian Terribile at Mellieha, missing out on the final stages of the BOV Division One’s regular season through injury. Nevertheless, he averaged 17 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in all competitions.

Now he joins a Luxol side that has seemingly grown stronger throughout the summer with the contract extension of Malta guard Nathan Xuereb, and the signing of two American import players – Darron Howard and Caleb Jones-McCrary. This indicates that while the in previous season, focus was given mainly to expanding the club’s youth core, the club is looking for a better run in its senior ranks.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that Luxol’s summer business could yet involve another new signing as Depiro forward Nenad Bukva has also been linked with the Violets with an official confirmation yet to be made.

Valletta Basketball Club to introduce women’s team

After the announcement that Athleta will introduce a women’s team this coming season, Valletta Fighters, who have recently rebranded as Valletta Basketball Club seem to have followed suit and the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League is now set to have no less than two new teams as part of the league’s lineup, Malta Basketball has learnt.

After the club’s debut in the men’s two divisions last season, the Valletta project will expand with their women’s team set to form with players joining the team over the summer break. 

The club teased this introduction on their socials where they showed both the men’s and women’s teams going through pre-season physical training around Valletta.

While there has been no official confirmation of the players taking the court for the Citizens yet, Malta Basketball can confirm that the team will be led by coaches Harry Savaya and Daniel Bugeja just like the men’s team.

Sources said the team is currently comprised of returning players after having recently departed the game. However, recruiting has also included 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.

Fusion BC drop out of local basketball after financial difficulties

After the unfortunate end to Mellieha Libertas earlier this summer, another club has opted out of taking part in the coming season as Malta Basketball has learnt that Fusion Basketball Club has closed its doors.

When reached out to for comment, Fusion said it was a hard financial decision.

“Unfortunately that’s it from Fusion for now,” the club told Malta Basketball, “We don’t have sponsors and it became too hard that we give money from our pockets. We have been part (of the league) for seven or eight years but unfortunately, we need to step away.

“It was a hard decision but it is what it is.”

Later on in the day, the Balkan-based club issued a statement on its socials confirming that the decision had been final. However, they told Malta Basketball that if things were to improve for them, they would be open to returning, echoing this in their statement as well.

“Hello everyone, after seven years of our club, after a long conversation we have made a difficult decision, Fusion Basketball will not be part of the next season in women and men,” the statement read. 

“We are sad that we needed to make this decision but due to some circumstances, the decision is final. If some things are going to change in future we are coming back but for now, we are saying goodbye.

“We want to thanks to all the people who were with us during these years, we want to say thanks to the Malta Basketball Association for accepting us and helping us during these years. Thanks to all clubs from Malta for all the nice games that happened during these years.

“In the end, we want to say thanks to all the players that have been part of our club during these years, guys you made these years so much beautiful. Thanks one more time for this. Good luck to everyone in the coming season! Fusion basketball on and off till some better times for our club!!!!!”

Caffe Moak Luxol sign US guard Brandy Lynn Huffhines

Caffe Moak Luxol will stick with their successful tradition of bringing American point guards to the team after signing Brandy Lynn Huffhines.

“We’re excited to officially announce our women’s team import for the 2024-2025 season – Brandy Lynn Huffhines!” A Luxol statement read.

“Brandy (Huffhines) brings her talents to the champions after a standout season with the Tech City Giants. With her skill, speed and court vision, Brandy is ready to make a big impact on our team. Welcome to Luxol, Brandy! Let’s make this season one to remember.”

The signing, announced by the Violets on Tuesday brings to the club a Chico State University (NCAA Division Two) alumni who started 28 out of the 30 games she played last season, averaging a team-second-most 30.3 minutes.

Last season, Huffhines averaged 11.9 points on 41.3% shooting from the field and 88.6% from the freethrow line. Added to that, she garnered 2.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and close to a steal per game.

The 5’5 guard was also voted to the California Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) All-Tournament team.

WPBA reunion

After her college experience, Huffhines prepared for her first full professional campaign in Malta with a stint in the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA) with the Tech City Giants where she splayed with new Starlites signing Makaila Napoleon. 

The team ended its commitments in the quarterfinal of the summer tournament and Huffhines was on court for nine games. Across the tournament, she averaged 17.4 points a game with 58.6% shooting from the field and 64.1% from three-point range. 

Now she joins a Luxol side in transition after the departure of long-term coach Santino Coppa. The club opted to hand youth coach Roderick Vella a promotion which will now see him take over the senior team and the Under-23 as the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League and John Tabone Shield champions look to defend their titles.

Huffhines will make her official debut against Depiro in this year’s Super Cup before the league and cup campaigns begin.

Christina Curmi re-signs with Starlites

Former Malta international center Christina Curmi has extended her Starlites contract for yet another season, the Naxxar-based club announced on Tuesday.

“We are pleased to announce that Christina Curmi will be a part of the Starlites Women’s squad next season after re-signing with the club,” a Starlites statement read. 

“Curmi brings years of national team experience as well as local playing experience to this year’s roster which will definitely prove important to our young team.”

Last season, Curmi’s role was reduced with the addition of US center Paige Cannon who became the starting player in her position. With Cannon not re-signed by the club for a second season, Curmi will now return to better minutes on court.

“I‘m thrilled to kick off another season with Starlites, especially with this talented young team and our new coach,” Curmi told the Starlites socials. 

“It’s looking to be a challenging year, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to give our younger players the experience they need.”

This challenge comes as the team announced its new coach Peter Shoults earlier this month with the new team mentor faced with a rebuild after the departure of trio Steffi De Martino, Maria Bonett, and Andie Saliba. 

Since then, Starlites have signed US guard/forward Makaila Napoleon to support a young core of players, with the likelihood being that the club will focus its efforts on giving minutes to its up-and-coming youth players.

Luxol sign US forward Caleb Jones-McCrary

Just a day after announcing their first import signing of the summer, Luxol have confirmed their second American player, naming Caleb Jones-McCrary to their roster.

“Luxol Basketball Club is excited to welcome Caleb Jones-McCrary as their second U.S. male import signing,” the club said in a statement. 

“Caleb’s athleticism and impact on both ends of the court will make him a valuable asset to Duncan Fenech’s squad. We look forward to seeing him bring his talents to Malta!”

The 6’8 forward joins after finishing his college ball career in the NAIA with the MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Last season, he started all 31 games he played with the MNU Pioneers averaging 31.3 minutes a game. An integral player for the team throughout the 2023-24 campaign, Jones-McCreary shot 65% from the field to average 13.9 points a game. With an average of 8.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and just under a steal per game, the Kansas City native also gives himself an impressive defensive resume ahead of his move to Malta.

He now joins the Violets, who appear to be turning things around after last season’s project focused on the youth element of the squad. Back then, the team had brought on the Under-18 trio of Adam Azzopardi, Sebastian Pace, and Isaac Azzopardi, as well as Malta international Nathan Xuereb. However, it was the latter two players who had the most impact from the four signings with the former two struggling to match opponents’ strengths on court but putting on much better showings in the Under-23 league.

Now with their youth core shaping up, it seems as though it was time for the Pembroke-based side to push for better imports after last season’s troubles with American forward/center Tariq Woody and guard/forward Gael Hulsen who despite putting up good numbers for the team, did not appear to gel well enough with the rest of the squad. In turn, both players have not returned to the club for the coming season, with Jones McCreary and Darron Howard taking their place.

While it remains unclear whether Serbian forward Nikola Jovanovic will re-sign with the club after his first season, Malta Basketball has also learnt that Luxol have already secured two Serbian local foreigners from other Division One rivals, with an announcement seemingly in the plans soon. 

Luxol sign US guard Darron Howard

After having been tight-lipped about new additions to their squad, Luxol have finally announced their first import signing of the summer, naming American guard Darron Howard to their roster for the coming season.

“It’s been a busy summer for Luxol Basketball Club as we gear up for the new season, and now it’s time to start announcing our new signings. We’re excited to kick things off by welcoming Darron Howard, a talented guard from Alabama, to our team for the 2024-2025 season,” a club statement read. 

“With his skills and determination, Darron is sure to make a significant impact on the court.”

6’2 Alabama native Howard will be on his first European expedition after having played in the Indianapolis-based league TBL last season with the Rocket City Flight where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as the team’s starting point guard in the nine games he played. 

He brings with him accurate shooting – a common trait sought by coach Duncan Fenech. Last season, Howard shot 55.9% from the field, 35.1% from deep, and 90% from the freethrow line.

Before his first professional experience in the US, Howard was a NCAA Division Two player at King University where he played his last season with the Tornadoes in 2023.

Now he joins a Luxol team which is set for a summer project in hopes of a better run in the BOV Men’s Division One. Last season, Luxol struggled in the latter stages of the campaign, missing out on the playoffs as the penultimate team in the league, ahead of Valletta Fighters. 

Such an issue can be attributed to internal issues with last season’s import player Tariq Woody, who was said to be unhappy at the club, and with the feeling mutual among the club’s admin and coaching staff, Woody was dismissed, leaving the club without a suitable replacement at a crucial stage of the season. 

A year after that signing, Luxol will be aiming to hit the target with their new acquisitions, together with the extension of Malta international Nathan Xuereb, who re-signed earlier this summer, and who looks to have fit in particularly well with the squad and the club’s followers. Xuereb looks most likely to continue being the focal point of the roster build this season as Luxol work on more blocks to their lineup.

Starlites sign Canadian forward Joe Davis

After confirming American guard Trevon Reddish-Rhone earlier last week, Malta title-holders Starlites announced their second import player for the upcoming FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers when they named Canadian forward Joe Davis to their roster on Sunday.

Davis, who joins the team both as a senior team player and youth team coach will be bringing in his experience from the Australian Big V Championship after three seasons at the Pakenham Warriors.

“Welcoming Joe Davis from Kamloops, Canada to the Starlites organisation for the 2024-25 season,” a club statement read. 

“Joe brings along years of playing experience to our Senior Men VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar squad, while also taking the role of Head Coach for all the Starlites U16 Boys teams this season.”

The 6’6 forward averaged 30.5 minutes a game last season with Pakenham, putting up 16.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals per game and shot 34% from 3PT.

This showing also led to him getting awarded a place in the Big V All-Star Second Team for the final home and away games of the season earlier this month.

“I’m really excited to be joining this club as it is an excellent program,” Davis told the Starlites socials. 

“I’m extremely looking forward to getting around the Starlites community and spending time with the kids I will be coaching within the organisation. Last but not least, I’m looking forward to playing my best basketball going into the season!”

This enthusiasm was echoed by Hamriding Sports Management, which represents Davis.

“Couldn’t be happier for Joe Davis couldn’t have happened to a better human being. This one is not only special for Joe but he also becomes Hamriding Sports Management’s first client to take part in a FIBA domestic tournament,” his agent Reece Hamriding said.

Davis joins a Starlites squad which is in the process of building a strong enough roster ahead of September’s run in European competition before they return home to defend the four titles they won last season in an incredible campaign for Paul Ferrante and his players.

Starlites women’s team aim for revolution after signing Napoleon

226 years since Napoleon Bonaparte landed in Malta during the French occupation of the islands, a new Napoleon will be among the local community, this time as a Starlites’ women’s team player called Makaila Napoleon, who the club announced this weekend.

US-born guard-forward Napoleon was confirmed by the Naxxar-based club on Saturday as they aim to rebuild after the departure of trio Steffi De Martino, Maria Bonett, and Andie Saliba to Hibernians earlier this summer. 

“A new addition to the Starlites community as Makaila Napoleon has joined our organisation for the upcoming season,” a Starlites statement read. 

“Joining us all the way from Jessup University in California, Makaila’s dedication and resilience will definitely have a positive impact on the Senior Women squad this year.”

Jessup University, an NAIA college until the end of last season before transitioning to the NCAA Division Two for the coming season, saw Napoleon start 12 of the 13 games she played last season.

The 5’11 player finished her final season at Jessup with a 43% field-goal percentage and 67% freethrow-shooting percentage as she averaged 12.6 points per game. She grabbed 6 rebounds and blocked 2.3 shots a game while at the other end of the court, she assisted 3.1 scores. This was crucial for the team as Jessup won a program-record 22 games in the 2023-24 campaign and earned an at-large bid into the NAIA National Tournament.

“I’m very excited to be joining Starlites BC. It has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl to be a professional athlete and I’m extremely grateful that Starlites is giving me this opportunity,” Napoleon told the club’s socials.

“What I’m most looking forward to is meeting new people within the organisation and learning about the culture in Malta”.

Starlites will now be hoping it won’t be another six-day stay in Malta for Napoleon as they push to turn around their favour under new coach Peter Shoults who was announced as Fatih Dedelioglu’s replacement this past week. 

Last season, Starlites lifted the Super Cup and were finalists for the John Tabone Women’s Shield before leading the women’s league standings for the majority of the regular season campaign before their form faltered at the business end. 

Depiro complete double signing to bring in Barrs, Tomasi

After confirming David Bugeja and Luca Stefanovic as two major local signings this summer, and extending the contract of US guard Cameron Cornelius, Depiro continued to make inroads into their summer acquisitions with the confirmation of forwards Chase Barrs and Dom Tomasi.

Announcing the pair this past week, the Mtarfa side showed its excitement to have them play under new coach Sasha Dimitrijevic this coming season.

“Depiro is excited to announce the signing of 23-year old Chase Barrs from Florida, USA to our Senior Men’s Team,” a club statement read.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing Chase with the rest of our team in Ta Qali. Welcome to Depiro, Chase!”

This statement was echoed in the case of Tomasi, who follows the footsteps of older brother Joshua who played for the club during the John Tabone Shield last season before moving to Spain and eventually back to Australia’s NBL One.

Florida-native Barrs joins the team after his final season in the NCAA Division One with the Florida A&M Rattlers who play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He comes to Malta looking to get higher individual numbers after averaging 1.8 points per game on 45.2% field goal and 62.5% freethrow shooting last season. The 6’10 forward played 21 games throughout the campaign and grabbed 2.9 rebounds and 0.5 blocks a game on defence.

Meanwhile, Tomasi heads to Malta after his time in Australia in the Big V. The 20-year-old will play for Depiro as a local as did his brother last season in a similar move made by Starlites in the case of Matt Attard and eventually Jacob Bourke-Doggett.

The duo will most likely wrap up Depiro’s summer business as they aim to push ahead after last season’s run in the men’s campaign that led to a Knockout final appearance and eventually a place in the playoffs under coach Ruben Baldacchino who stepped down at the end of the season.