By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
After spending the last part of the 2022-23 season on loan to Real Betis Baloncesto, where he was named Best Young Player of the ACB by averaging 17.8 points, 4.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, Jean Montero should have begun the preparation for the 2023-24 season with Gran Canaria.
However, as announced by the Spanish side in a press release, the Dominican Republic representative hasn’t suited up for them. “Despite the call sent to the player to join the training, on the 11th of this month, along with the rest of the first team members, the player decided not to appear, also expressing his desire to “not continue under the discipline of the Club”, the statement says.
“From our club, and out of respect for the fans, sponsors, and, ultimately, all of us who are part of it, we cannot accept that, unilaterally, and without respecting the terms and conditions that regulate the contractual relationship between the club and the player, it is intended to carry out a separation like the one proposed by our player”, Gran Canaria’s press release continues on Jean Montero.
However, Jaka Lazovic’s team still opens its arms to him. “As it cannot be otherwise, from the club we are going to carry out the necessary actions to redirect this situation, hoping that Mr. Jean Montero immediately rejoins the discipline of the first team and, together, we manage to achieve the greatest sporting successes”, the club also followed.
In the recent 2023 FIBA World Cup, Jean Montero helped the Dominican Republic almost get to the final phase by averaging 9.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 87.5% at the charity stripe. He had a losing effort of 15 points against Serbia in his last game.
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup