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.”
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.”
