By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the introduction to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, Nico Mannion will stay in Europe’s premier club continental competition for a sophomore campaign but in new surroundings.
Mannion, 22, penned a two-year contract to join eToro Baskonia, the team announced Tuesday.
Moving his talents from the Golden State Warriors to Virtus Segafredo Bologna, he signed a two-year contract. Playing under experienced head coach Sergio Scariolo, a former assistant at the Toronto Raptors, the young floor general posted 2.1 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game in the championship run through the 2021-22 edition of 7DAYS EuroCup, and jumped to 5.9 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 rebounds per contest in EuroLeague last season. In addition, he put up 8.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per contest across domestic competitions in Italy.
Coming out of Arizona, Mannion was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 48th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. The NBA run lasted only one season generating 30 appearances through the 2020-21 Regular Season, coupled with multiple assignments to G League affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors. He averaged 4.1 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game.
Two years later, marking the first summer addition for Baskonia, more players are expected to follow in his footsteps ahead of the 2023-24 season. The team coached by Joan Penarroya is coming off ranking ninth in the EuroLeague Regular Season with the 18-16 W-L tally falling one game shy of a Playoffs berth.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net