By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
JL Bourg has secured the services of shooting guard Johnny Berhanemeskel to help rescue a backcourt depleted by injuries. The deal was announced on Wednesday.
The roster adjustment arrives at a tough time for the French club, defending BKT EuroCup champions. They are down to 0–3 in Group C of the 2026–27 Regular Season, while holding a 1–2 record in the Betclic Elite Regular Season.
The trouble worsened on Saturday during a domestic meeting opposite Boulazac. Antony Labanca left the court with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Medical tests confirmed the 32-year-old guard will miss the rest of the season. His absence left the backcourt extremely thin.
Labanca is not the only player sidelined. Tyson Walker is out for five weeks with a thigh injury. Hugo Robineau is missing another three weeks due to a foot issue. The team previously picked up playmaker Tyger Campbell as a temporary medical replacement. Now, Berhanemeskel arrives to provide necessary additional depth.
The Canadian sharpshooter knows France well. He has played for Boulazac, Chorale Roanne, Nanterre 92, BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque, and Le Mans. During the 2020–21 season, he shared the floor with Victor Wembanyama at Nanterre during his previous appearance in the second tier of Euroleague Basketball. Last year, he averaged 13.8 points per Basketball Champions League game with MSB.
Niners get EuroCup veteran Ryan Mikesell
In a parallel EuroCup move, Bourg’s Group C rivals, Niners Chemnitz, who currently enjoy a 2–1 continental record, landed Ryan Mikesell for the remainder of the season. The 29-year-old, 2.01-meter American small forward brings EuroCup experience, having made five appearances for the London Lions last season with 4.0 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest.
“I’m very happy to be joining an ambitious club that competes at a high level in both the BBL and the EuroCup,” he said, welcoming the move. “I’m convinced that my skills, playing style, and mentality are an excellent fit for the team, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The Ohio native, who is currently completing his medical evaluation in Chemnitz, spent the last two years in Germany’s easyCredit BBL with MLP Academics Heidelberg, besides the brief spell in the British capital.
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