Category: Transfers

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.

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.

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.