By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The landscape in Rome is undergoing a massive transformation as two newly established capital clubs aggressively shape their rosters for the 2026–27 campaign. Both organizations are preparing for simultaneous dual-front runs in the BKT EuroCup and Italy’s LBA UnipolSai.
On Tuesday, Maxima Roma announced a one-year contract with 28-year-old Carl Wheatle. Bringing 38 games of EuroCup experience from his last two years with Umana Reyer Venice, the British forward joins a rapidly growing, ambitious squad. Under the tactical guidance of head coach Matteo Cotelli, the lineup already features Brynton Lemar, Matt Ryan, Xavier Moon, and Miro Bilan. This newly constructed group will face an immediate trial by fire after being drawn into Group B of the Regular Season in the second tier of Euroleague Basketball.
Right alongside them, Roma SPQR is matching that intensity. The club officially hired Alessandro Magro as their new chief strategist to steer the team through its inaugural venture. With Slovenian NBA superstar Luka Doncic involved in the project, Magro takes the coaching reins of a talented foundational nucleus that currently officially boasts Gerald Ayayi, Jesse Edwards, Giovanni Emejuru, and Nico Mannion. Slotted into Group D, this side is working in parallel with their local rivals to finalize a series of upcoming player acquisitions.
A future Group D opponent is also busy preparing for the looming competition. Bulgarian champion Balkan Botevgrad reinforced its perimeter with 29-year-old Darnell Edge. The signing adds firepower to a reconstructed unit under mastermind Bogdan Karaicic, who previously secured David Okwera and Aleksandar Stoimenov, while locking down extension agreements for core veterans Nikolay Grozev and Dimitar Dimitrov.
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