By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The BKT EuroCup offseason has accelerated with a flurry of strategic roster moves and critical contract extensions across the continent.
Turk Telekom made a major splash by securing veteran forward Anthony Lamb. The 28-year-old former NBA player brings substantial league experience, having featured in 37 games over the last two years with Dolomiti Energia Trento and Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem. Lamb, who averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds last season, ironically joins the very Turkish squad that eliminated his former team in the Quarterfinals in March. Elevating their domestic core, the Ankara outfit also reunited with homegrown talent Goktug Bas after a five-year separation.
Meanwhile, coaching stability took center stage for Umana Reyer Venice. The Italian club finalized a one-year extension with Neven Spahija, ensuring the 63-year-old tactician returns for a fifth consecutive campaign. The Croatian expert holds the franchise record for most EuroCup games coached, including an Eighthfinals appearance last season. Similarly, maintaining leadership continuity, Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos extended head coach Porfi Fisac for another year, building on their earlier roster addition of Ziga Samar.
Player transactions continued at a rapid pace elsewhere in the second tier of Euroleague Basketball. Kids&Us Manresa fortified their lineup by introducing newcomer Eric Vila and locking down experienced guard Ferran Bassas with a two-year extension, while Lithuanian outfit Neptunas secured their future by signing Lukas Kreismontas to a two-year agreement and simultaneously retaining Arnas Berucka for two more seasons.
Reinforcements also arrived from regional divisions, including Rostock Seawolves. The German side strengthened their backcourt with Zach Copeland following his dominant performance in Italy’s second tier. Finally, Riga Zelli finalized a one-year contract with Kristians Feierbergs.
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