Tag: janai crooms

James, Crooms Named BOV Players of the Month for November

Starlites’ Kai Fabri wins BOV Amateur League accolade

AtoZ Athleta’s Kurt James, Betsson Depiro’s Janai Crooms, and Starlites’ Kai Fabri have been recognised as the BOV Players of the Month for November 2024 by the Malta Basketball Association.

American forward Kurt James, who joined Athleta from Starlites this season, earned the top accolade for the BOV Division One for November. The 6’5” all-rounder demonstrated his versatility, excelling across multiple positions and finishing last month as the league’s leading scorer with an impressive 169 points over six games, averaging 28.17 points per game.

James was equally dominant under the boards, securing an average of 14.4 rebounds per game to top the league’s rebounding charts.

His all-around contribution extended to 2.6 steals per game while enduring an average of 6.17 fouls per match. Clocking 35 minutes per game, his influence was pivotal for Athleta.

The winners of the BOV Player of the Month award for November. PHOTO | BOV

In the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League, Janai Crooms of Depiro claimed the Player of the Month title. The 25-year-old Rwandan-American, a standout player for her team since joining earlier in the month, delivered consistently stellar performances, averaging 19.5 points per game.

Across four games, Crooms amassed 55 rebounds, showcasing her tenacity in the paint, alongside 11 assists and 11 steals.

16-year-old Kai Fabri of Starlites was awarded the honour for the BOV Amateur League. The young shooting guard demonstrated remarkable poise, scoring 65 points in four games, including nine three-pointers, for an average of 16.25 points per game.

Fabri also led the local second division in court time, averaging 33 minutes and 10 seconds per game, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.

The awards were presented by Bank of Valletta’s Chief Officer, Ernest Agius, during a ceremony at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. Each recipient was awarded a custom-made trophy to commemorate their achievement.

Depiro sign Janai Crooms

Mtarfa-side Betsson Depiro returned to the transfer market with import player Jensen Caretti said to be out long-term, and have now signed the signing of Rwandan-American guard Janai Crooms, the club announced on Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janai Crooms to our Senior Women’s Team!” a Depiro statement read.

“Janai is a Providence College graduate and was part of the  All-Big East tournament in her Senior Year. Janai also represented the Rwandan National Team, contributing to their best-ever third place finish. Welcome to Depiro, Janai!”

Crooms, originally born in the US but who has represented Rwanda in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, joins last season’s Knockout winners after a college career with the Providence Friars and a stint in Puerto Rico with Cangrejeras de Santurce.

Crooms played two seasons with the Friars from 2021-23. During her career at Providence, she was an All-BIG EAST Honourable Mention selection (2021-22), a Preseason All-BIG EAST pick (2022-23) and a five-time BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll selection. 

She finished her collegiate career averaging a team-best 11.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Crooms joins coach Julian Naudi’s team as they look to overcome their previous defeat to Caffe Moak Luxol, which ended their John Tabone Shield campaign. This was their first defeat since Sophie Abela’s departure to CD Isla Bonita and Caretti’s injury, which came in their competition opener against Hibernians – their only other Shield loss. Caretti, who joined the team over the summer, is set to continue rehabilitating after an awkward landing from a challenge during the game in October.

While Crooms will be an immediate replacement for the two players, sources tell Malta Basketball that the club is also awaiting the next local player transfer window to sign veteran forward Joselle Cardona, a former Malta international who will return to the game after last playing for Luxol.