Category: Transfers

Valletta BC sign Lorenzo Anderson

After a Malta Basketball report in August indicated the move, it is now confirmed that Harry Savaya-led Valletta BC will be joined by US import player Lorenzo Anderson.

6’3 guard Anderson is said to have signed with the club late in August with the news coming from his agent at ASG Sports. Now Malta Basketball can assure the move is 100% with the American player officially registered with the MBA ahead of the coming season.

The Georgia native joins the capital club after a season in Kazakhstan with BC Irbis where he was part of the team that won the League Cup. 

Last season, Anderson averaged 17.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in his rookie season as a professional basketball player. 

He now joins a Valletta side looking to improve on last season’s Division One debut where they struggled to put up points on the standings during an experimental first campaign, winning their only game in the John Tabone Shield.

Tigers BT sign Lebanese duo Hamparsoumian, Jalkh

New BOV Division One side Tigers Basketball’s debut will present a set of new players to the Ta’ Qali Pavilion and Malta Basketball can confirm they have signed Lebanese guard duo Serge Hamparsoumian and Michel Jalkh.

18-year-old guard Hamparsoumian, who also holds Cypriot citizenship, joins the club after stints with Lebanese clubs Kahraba BC and Centrale Club, and most recently with Cypriot side Phoenix MJ.

Last season, Hamparsoumian averaged 7.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 14 games as the Limassol club finished with a 7-9 record. 

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jalkh is another young addition to the side with the former Antonine guard joining the Tigers as a second import player.

They now join a side which will be aiming to hit the ground running in their first season in Division One and sources have told Malta Basketball, they are nearing an agreement with a new head coach ahead of the start of the John Tabone Shield when they face Athleta in the first round.

Tigers stack up on local-foreign ballers

The Lebanese duo will be part of a Tigers squad which will also involve the Filipino quintet of David Constantino, Jhun Jhun Lisondra, Elbert Masilungan, Bryan Bernat, and Keith Micaller.

Lisondra was part of the Valletta Fighters squad last season on loan from Mellieha Libertas. Now that the northern club has opted out of the coming season, the speedy guard moves to the Tigers

Andy Calago, who passed away earlier this summer, had been registered by the club as well before his unfortunate passing.

Kurt Xuereb re-signs with Starlites

Malta title-holders Starlites have re-signed forward Kurt Xuereb, the club has confirmed.

“It’s a great honour to announce that Maltese national team captain Kurt Xuereb has re-signed with the Starlites organisation,” Starlites said in a statement. 

“Xuereb, who was assigned the role of co-captain of the squad for the upcoming season, needs no introduction in the local scene, winning several youth leagues through his career, as well as being a 2x MVP in the U23 category. 

“On a senior level, he has formed part of our championship-winning squads in the past 3 years, while also winning several medals with the national team, including the gold medal in 2018. We are sure that Kurt will once again play a vital part in his new role within our Senior Men squad.”

Coach Paul Ferrante had confirmed in July that Xuereb would co-captain the side with Ian Felice Pace after the departure of Alec Felice Pace to Germany to join CityBasket Recklinghausen.

“(I’m) Looking forward to an exciting season ahead with new opportunities, especially as we compete in the Europe Cup for the first time,” Xuereb told the club’s socials. 

“It’s certainly a great challenge, but one we feel fully prepared for. Our primary focus remains on replicating the success of previous seasons and defending both the league title and other domestic cups. 

“On a personal note, being named co-captain alongside Ian is a tremendous honour and responsibility. I am committed to giving 100% every day as part of the Starlites family, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to our collective success.”

Last season, Xuereb missed most of the season due to injury after suffering an awkward fall during the John Tabone Shield. However, he returned at the business end of the campaign to help the side take the last of four trophies lifted in an incredible quadruple season.

He then linked up with the National Team to play under coach Duncan Fenech as the team reached the final of the FIBA Small Countries Championships.

Valletta sign 6’3 Taissia Nikishina as transfer coup continues

Milica Stefanovic, Nicole Montalvo, Maria Momcilovic join Capital Club

Valletta BC women have announced more signings these past few days as the Capital club confirmed Russian centre Taissia Nikishina, Milica Stefanovic, together with former Fusion Quest duo Maria Momcilovic and Nicole Montalvo.

Nikishina is believed to be the team’s hottest prospect this coming season, bringing height to the roster which has already shown its intentions with further signings like Sabrina Abugrin Alexia Parnis, Sara Kakaras, and Maria Mifsud. 

Sources have told Malta Basketball, that the Capital club believes the 6’3 youngster has a lot of potential and they are looking forward to her debut at Ta’ Qali in November.

“We are proud to announce Taissia Nikishina as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta said in a statement.

“Taissia is the youngest player of our club but is considered a fantastic prospect. She is a very hardworking player and a bright future awaits her.

“The 190cm centre is returning to the game she loves after having a successful time in athletics.”

Meanwhile, the club also brought in former Athleta women’s team player Stefanovic. The Serbian was on the books of the Gzira-based club during their last experience in the MAPFRE Women’s League before a hiatus that ended this summer as the team returned to the league yet again.

“We are thrilled to announce Milica Tasman Stefanovic as a Lioness,” a club statement read.

“Milica has been playing basketball since she was 6 and amongst the teams she played for, she played for BIP Basketball Club, Vozdovac Basketball Club and Radnicki Belgrade.

“She has achieved a lot of titles throughout her career and her experience is definitely a huge asset for the Capital’s team.”

Later in the week, Valletta added another two players to their squad, with Nicole Montalvo and Maria Momcilovic joining fellow former Fusion Quest players Alexia Parnis and Sarah Kankaras at the Capital club.

Valletta confirm Stelmach report as Farrugia stays

Citizens sign Andre Attard, Jonathan Camilleri

Valletta BC confirmed Malta Basketball’s July report on Monday after announcing the signing of former Athleta centre Piotr Stelmach while continuing to upgrade their roster for the coming season with the extension of Maltese centre Matthew Farrugia, as well as two new local signings for the senior men’s team. 

Stelmach was one of the highlights of last season with Athleta and this will be a boost in value to the Capital Club’s roster as the former NCAA SEC champion was back in Malta for preseason with coach Harry Savaya and his team.

“We are excited to announce Piotr Stelmach as a Valletta Player,” a statement read.

“Graduated from Mississippi State University a D1 college, competed in SEC and won it. Stelmach played 11 years pro in Poland at the highest level and competed in EuroCup and VTB – (he) won the Polish Championship, won a bronze medal in Poland, won the Polish Cup.”

Valletta Fighters sign Stelmach from Athleta

Through announcements made by the club throughout the last few days, the Citizens also re-confirmed Farrugia after having been a big part of their debut season in Division One last season. Before that, the club showcased the signing of former Luxol youth player Andre Attard and former Depiro player Jonathan Camilleri. 

“We are pleased to confirm Matthew Farrugia as a Valletta Player,” a club statement read. 

“Matthew started playing with Loyola Basketball Club and attended several international basketball camps in Europe. He also represented Malta at the 2010 & 2011, U16 European Championship Men Division C and other smaller competitions with the national team

“After a break, the Two-meter centre returned to play with Valletta Basketball club.” 

Last season under coach Harry Savaya, Farrugia played 18 games, starting 12 across all competitions. He averaged 3.4 points and 3.7 rebounds a game in a season where Valletta looked to be in their experimental stage, putting a challenge for the rest of the teams but struggling to keep up in the final stages of games, an issue attributed to the lack of experience as a team within the division. 

New Valletta signings

Meanwhile, the Capital Club have brought on Attard for his senior debut after having played for Luxol’s youth teams in the past.

“We are pleased to announce Andre Attard as part of our club for the upcoming season,” Valletta said in a separate statement.

“After 10 years experience with Luxol with 2 titles won, he is joining us for his first experience at the highest level.”

Finally, the club has also signed veteran player Camilleri, whose past experience at Depiro and Qormi is said to be an asset to the team’s efforts.

“We are happy to announce Jonathan Camilleri as a Valletta Basketball Club player,” Valletta announced.

“Jonathan is not a new face within the local basketball scene, having started his basketball career with Qormi Basketball Club and eventually also joining Depiro Basketball Club in recent years.

“Jonathan has played in the senior and junior teams within both Qormi and Depiro and will surely bring in experience and grit for this year’s team in searching for success.”

Sam Deguara joins Macau Black Bears

Malta international centre Samuel Deguara embarks on his latest Asian move as he joins the Macau Black Bears in the Asian Tournament, the club has confirmed.

This will be Deguara’s second experience within the league after his time with the Taiwan Mustangs, having been joined by former NBA stars Dwight Howard, Quinn Cook, and Demarcus Cousins last season.

Throughout the last campaign, Deguara put on outstanding displays, being named in the top player of the game charts several times. Now he moves to Macau to join the Black Bears who will be looking to push for a playoff run after finishing fifth last season and just missing the post-season.

Earlier on this summer, Deguara was part of the Malta National team again for this year’s FIBA Small Countries Championships where the team led by coach Duncan Fenech took home the silver medal.

At these games, Deguara sat for the opening fixture after having arrived at the last minute due to club commitments in Taiwan. However, he was a crucial part of the next four games which saw Malta head to the final. Deguara put up a 22 points-per-game average with 13.3 rebounds and an assist in between.

This will be Deguara’s 14 country of play in a career which has helped him travel the world while representing Malta as the current tallest active player in the world at 7’7.

Birthday boy Scerri extends Starlites contract

Starlites guard Matthew Scerri has re-signed with the Malta champions, the Naxxar-based club announced.

In a statement, made on Scerri’s 22nd birthday, Starlites lauded his leadership and dedication. 

“We’re thrilled to announce that one of our very own Maltese National team player Matthew Scerri has agreed to extend his playing career at the club,” the statement read. 

“The four-time MVP (U14, U16 and 2x U23) joined the club at the young age of five years old and to this day, he has won several championships both at youth level and at senior level. 

“Scerri’s leadership and dedication will surely play a vital role in VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar’s aspirations going into this season, both on a local level and internationally.”

Scerri missed most of last season through injury, but his return was well received and he repaid the faith with 5.4 points per game in 15 games (seven as a starter) played across all competitions.

The Starlites guard averaged 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists a game and his energy was well-noticed by Malta National Team coach Duncan Fenech who called him up to the team for this year’s FIBA Small Countries Championships. 

“It’s going to be an amazing season full of new opportunities and challenges,” Scerri told the team’s socials. 

“I’m honoured to be experiencing these with my boyhood club, playing alongside guys which I’ve been playing with since a very young age. 

“My main goal this season is to be there for the team in every way necessary in search for European qualification and retaining every local championship once again!”

Athleta Women sign Nicole Vella

New MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League team Athleta have begun their preparations for their debut and have signed former Fusion Quest player Nicole Vella, Malta Basketball has learnt.

Athleta introduced themselves to the women’s league in July when they announced former Depiro women’s coach Adrian Baldacchino as their new coach for the senior and Under-23 teams. Now they have landed an experienced player in Vella.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that Vella chose Athleta after having been presented with two different offers and will be playing as the team’s captain this coming season. 

The former Hibernians and Luxol player was on the books of Fusion last season upon her return to the court but it was not to be for the club as the league minnows disbanded after the end of the season.

Having failed to secure sponsorship for the coming season, the team struggled to make ends meet, ultimately opting out of the coming season. Now, the club’s players have returned to the player market, with a number of them said to be heading to the two new clubs. 

Athleta have also recently issued a call for tryouts that took place this past week with hopes of further building up their roster for the coming season.

Sasha Lecuyer returns to Malta, joins Starlites

Former Loughborough Riders guard Sasha Lecuyer has returned to Malta after five seasons in the UK to join MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League side Starlites, the club announced this week.

“Welcoming back Sasha Lecuyer, a familiar face with the Starlites organisation,” the Naxxar-based club said in a statement. 

“The last time Sasha played for the club was 6 years ago when she had been awarded the MVP award in the U16 women’s category. Now, after her stint playing in the UK for Loughborough University in D1, where she ranked in the top 10 for 3-pointers made across the league, as well as the professional WBBL team Riders, Sasha is ready to share her leadership and playing expertise with a young, but promising Senior Women squad this season.”

Lecuyer heads back home after a successful stint in the WNBL, with experience in the WBBL with the team’s higher-ranked side the Leicester Riders during the 2020/21 season.

Last season in the WNBL Division One, Lecuyer played 13 games, averaging 9.1 points, 2.5 assists, and four rebounds per game and will be hoping to bring back home her shooting accuracy after last month, she was named eighth in the WNBL’s All-time three-point leaders with 121 throughout her UK run.

“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead of us. Being surrounded by such a young team brings a sense of energy and excitement. It feels great to be back here and can’t wait for the season to start!!” Lecuyer told the club’s socials.

Starlites will be aiming for a steady transition after taking on a different direction within their team for the coming season but it seems with the acquisition of Lecuyer and import player Makaila Napoleon. Malta Basketball believes the club will also be bringing on former Hibernians player Fanni Fabok by the end of the transfer season as the team looks to maintain height among the squad.

Hibernians sign Mikayla Brandon

After a double import signing announcement for Hibernians’ men’s team, the Paolites announced their next import signing when they named US forward Mikayla Brandon to their squad for the coming season.

“From the USA to Malta, via Ireland! We’re thrilled to announce that Mikayla Brandon is joining our Women’s Senior Team,” a club statement read.

“Mikayla, an American talent who made waves in Ireland last season, brings her skill, experience, and competitive spirit to our court.”

6’1 player Brandon joins the team after a professional debut in Ireland with the Limerick Celtics in the Irish Women’s Division One. In 17 games played, the Illinois native averaged 14.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. Brandon was the starting small forward for the team as they finished second in the South Conference in the regular season. She was also awarded the Women’s Division 1 Cup MVP award at the end of the season after the team won the cup competition. 

Before that, she played college ball in the US NCAA Division One with Denver University.

Now she joins a Hibs side heading in a new coaching direction after the club appointed Winnie Buhagiar earlier this summer. Since then, the team has upgraded its roster, bringing to Paola former Starlites trio Steffi De Martino, Maria Bonett, and Andie Saliba.