Tag: kurt james

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.

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.