By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A day before the 7DAYS EuroCup tip off, AS Monaco announced the addition of Ivan Buva. The Croatian forward/center was signed up to the conclusion of the 2019-20 season with a trial period of one month. He recently participated in Fenerbahce Beko’s training camp.
“I am very happy to sign with Monaco” said Buva upon penning his deal, “I was waiting for the right opportunity and did not hesitate when Monaco contacted me. I joined an ambitious club with a quality roster and a proved head coach.”
Monaco’s newcomer previously played in 25 EuroCup contests in 2014-15 for FoxTown Cantu and in 2016-17 for RETAbet Bilbao. He also took part in one EuroLeague tilt with Cedevita in the 2012-13 season, more recently competed in Turkey with Besiktas.
“My experience in different situations and championships will help me adapt very quickly” he noted referring to titles captured in the ABA League, Italy, Spain and Turkey, “I hope to help the team to the best of my abilities.”
Buva marked his 2018-19 campaign averaging 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists per Super Ligi game. “I am used to aggressive and physical leagues” he said on his previous tenures in Croatia, Italy, Spain and Turkey.
“It’s true that I like to score and create spaces for my teammates” he also mentioned, “It is always difficult to defend against a team where the leading scorer has a good connection with his teammates that are also able to put up points.”
The experienced big is expected to be available for Tuesday’s EuroCup opener against MoraBanc Andorra. He will go on helping his new team in the Jeep Elite Pro A as well.
Dee Bost, Anthony Clemmons, Paul Lacombe, Kevin Keliki, Kim Tillie, Wilfried Yeguete, Melwin Pantzar, Jaleel O’Brien, Eric Buckner, Yakuba Ouattara, Dylan Ennis and Landing Sane were already part of Sasa Obradovic’s roster.