Malta champions Starlites launched their squad for the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers on Tuesday with 12 players making the cut ahead of their debut next week at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion against Anorthosis Famagusta of Cyprus.
In a press conference, coach Paul Ferrante made official the names of 12 players joining him for the two-game tie, including a mix of local and import players. The Starlites mentor lauded his player’s attitude throughout preseason, saying their energy would be vital for the experience ahead.
“I see these guys – the way they come in full of energy – that is the first step and it augurs well for a good outing so that we can be well-prepared,” Ferrante told the press conference.
“Some guys have been in Malta for three or four days and we are already getting better and better. We had a good preseason tournament which was very important for us to give us a good evaluation of the things we need to work on.”
Speaking about the club’s new additions to the nucleus of Starlites players who have grown together, Ferrante explained the loss of Alec Felice Pace and Matt Attard, as well as their European opponents’ calibre fuelled their acquisition of five new imports, two more than usual.
“Apart from the three import players we usually have, even because we lost Alec Felice Pace and Matt Attard, we opted to add two more as in the European cup there are no restrictions for import players,” the title-winning coach said.
“We are playing against a professional team but our behaviour as a semi-professional team has been pro. When you see these players getting time off and being there at 7.30 in the morning for a session which is obviously out of their work time, that for me, means they are already winners.”
Historical moment
Starlites president Ivan Riolo also had words of praise for what he called a “historical moment for the club” however, when asked by Malta Basketball about the club’s expectations, he emphasised that while they were ambitious, they would have to keep their feet on the ground.
“It is a club milestone, a historical moment for the club, competing for the first time in the FIBA Europe Cup,” Riolo said.
“It’s been a long path and it’s been a demanding endeavour. A lot of people have put a lot of energy and hard work into it and now we’re looking forward to the big day.
“This is a level that is not one step higher but a new experience altogether. Our target is to go there and win obviously but we can’t be over-ambitious. We are ambitious but we must also keep our feet on the ground and understand that we are playing against opposition with Europe Cup experience. Given it’s a first for us, this is also motivation that we need to energise our team and get the boys going on the court.
“More than the result, I would really like Starlites to make a name in FIBA basketball and we play our game in a positive way.”
Malta Basketball Association (MBA) president Paul Sultana was also present at the event and said this was another stepping stone for Maltese basketball.
“It is our pleasure to support this initiative,” Sultana said, “Well done to Starlites – this is another stepping stone for basketball in Malta. I’m happy to see these young guys taking part in Europe – I’m sure it will be something they will remember for a very long time.”
Finally, Naxxar mayor Dr Christopher Deguara said the local council was proud to support this endeavour.
“It is a great pleasure for us that you honour us by carrying our locality’s name,” Deguara said.
“We look at sports not only as just sports but we believe in it as it brings people together and keeps us active and healthy. As a council, this is part of our way forward and that is why we are very proud to support this.”
Orange is the new blue
In addition to their team’s launch, Starlites also launched their new kits for the FIBA Europe Cup and the coming season with orange replacing the team’s away blue kits.
“We’re very proud to launch this new attire,” Riolo said.
“The colours of our club are blue and white but we gave a voice to our young athletes this time and asked them for feedback. They decided to take our third colour, orange, and make it a bit more prominent and bright.
“It is also a tribute to our first kit eight or nine years ago after amalgamating with Virtus Basket.”
Riolo closed by thanking the team’s sponsors VisitMalta, Teamsport, SportMalta, JSD, KM Malta Airlines, Revive, H2Only and the MBA.
Starlites FIBA Europe Cup Squad:
Ian Felice Pace, Kurt Xuereb, Matthew Scerri, Louie Farrugia, Miguel Fabri, Neil Sultana, Joe Davis, Trevon Reddish Rhone, Max Curran, Kolten Mortensen, Carson Newsome, Andrew Aquilina.
