By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
La Laguna Tenerife officially confirmed the contract extension of veteran playmaker Marcelo Huertas for the 2026–27 campaign.
The 43-year-old team captain extends his stay in Spain following a stellar season, where he averaged 14.9 points in Liga Endesa and 12.0 points in the Basketball Champions League.
The ageless Brazilian international, who recently excelled in the domestic playoffs against heavyweights Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, teased his return with a club video asking, “Another dance?”
His journey spans stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, FC Barcelona, and Laboral Kutxa. Over two decades, Huertas solidified his legacy as a premier pass-first guard. He holds three Liga Endesa titles, a FIBA Intercontinental Cup, and an Olympic pedigree with Brazil.
Now, his leadership will anchor Tenerife’s highly anticipated debut in the BKT EuroCup competition. Besides Marcelinho, the league witnessed additional roster adjustments, including the London Lions securing a major coup by finalizing a lucrative two-year agreement with experienced guard Tarik Phillip.
Tarik Phillip is staying in London. 🦁
The experienced guard has signed a two-year contract extension, committing his future to the Lions through the end of the 2027/28 season.
Phillip was a key part of the Lions’ historic domestic clean sweep last season, helping the club lift… pic.twitter.com/eTMeDUZPxr
— London Lions Basketball (@LondonLions) June 30, 2026
The Great Britain international is now committed to the franchise through the 2027–28 season after spearheading an unprecedented domestic clean sweep. A Brooklyn native and seasoned continental competitor, fueled London’s historic run with four titles, while contributing 12.2 points and 4.0 assists per EuroCup game.
Meanwhile, newcomer Riga Zelli solidified its long-term future by securing 18-year-old Latvian prospect Kristers Kikusts on a three-year contract. The young forward transitions to the top tier from Gulbenes Buki, where he averaged 14.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game to engineer a second-place finish in the Latvian second division.
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