By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Besiktas GAIN Istanbul has added Matt Thomas to their roster for the remainder of the season.
The 31-year-old shooting guard joins from Coviran Granada, where he averaged 14.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this season, hitting 46.2% of his three-pointers.
Thomas won the EuroCup with Valencia Basket in 2019, finishing that campaign with 12.7 points per game and nearly 48% shooting from long range, raising his numbers to 13.6 points at 56% in the semifinals and finals. He also played last season in the EuroLeague with ALBA Berlin, averaging 12.3 points and shooting 46.2% from three-point range.
A former Iowa State standout, Thomas has experience in both Europe and the NBA, appearing for Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls, as well as competing with Panathinaikos and ALBA Berlin in top European leagues.
He joins a Besiktas team aiming for EuroCup success, currently second in Group B with a 9–4 record.
London Lions add two players
The London Lions have added American guard Nigel Hawkins, a 6’4 sharpshooter from Cyprus. He averaged 21.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in the FIBA Europe Cup, hitting nearly 48% from three.
The team also signed 6’5 forward Chaundee Brown Jr., who averaged 11.1 points and 7 rebounds with 54.2% two-point shooting for the New Taipei Kings. His versatility adds depth to London’s frontcourt.