It’s been a summer of introductions for Starlites as title-holders have so far welcomed no less than five players into their squad. On Thursday, they announced their fifth signing of the window when they named American forward Kolten Mortensen to their roster.

“Welcome to the Starlites community, Kolten Mortensen! Coming off a positive season playing in Germany, Mortensen will form part of the VisitMalta Starlites Naxxar Men squad this season,” a club statement read.

The Utah native joins the team after a season in the German ProB with BBC Coburg where he averaged 11.7 points and 27.5 minutes in 27 games played. Shooting 62.1% from close range and 75% from the freethrow line, Starlites will be hoping Mortensen can keep up his accuracy coming into the new season, and more importantly their debut in the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers next month.

On defence, the 6’7 American 5.6 rebounds and close to a steal per game last season in Germany, having joined after his college basketball experience with the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers in the NCAA Division Two.

He now heads to Malta to join a Starlites team that will be defending all the trophies available in the local basketball league. 

“I’m pumped for the opportunity to join the Starlites organisation, and looking forward to getting out there and helping the team to continue having success,” Mortensen told the club’s socials.

Mortensen is the fourth import signing of the summer after the club announced fellow American Trevon Reddish-Rhone, Canadian Joe Davis, and most recently American Max Curran. Together with the confirmation of former Depiro player Andrew Aquilina, Starlites have now filled the void left by backcourt duo Alec Felice Pace – who departed to play in Germany – and Matt Attard, as well as import trio Kurt James – who moved to Athleta – Davonte Craven, and Christian Hinckson.

Starlites make their first appearance in the FIBA Europe Cup later on in September when they face Anorthosis Famagusta in the qualifying stage.