By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Felix Fernandez, the sports director of Baskonia, met with the local press and didn’t hide the club’s disappointment about the recently completed season, also addressing the summer moves expected.
Fernandez admitted that Matteo Spagnolo and Clement Frisch are not just targets in the market, but may soon be added to the roster.
As he said, “We can’t confirm anything right now, but we could have some news in the next few days. They’re two players with promising prospects”.
While it was implied that many changes may happen in the roster, Trent Forrest, who has a contract for one more year, is not expected to leave. Fernandez clarified: “Forrest has a contract, and I hope and want him to continue with us. I think his adaptation has been enormously positive, and I have no doubt he’ll play better this year because he’s already familiar with Vitoria, where the Buesa Arena is and what it’s like to play in Europe”.
Last but not least, Greek forward Nikos Rogkavopoulos, who has been linked in recent days with Panathinaikos, also has a contract, and Fernandez wants to make the most of it: “He’s a player who attracts attention, with great potential and growth, as he’s demonstrated. Not only from Greek teams, but also from other markets where he has attracted attention. Rogkavopoulos has his release clauses. I’m counting on Nikos staying with us, but then obviously there are things you can’t control”.
Per Eurohoops sources, while there’s interest from Panathinaikos in the player, Baskonia at this point at least doesn’t intend to negotiate the buyout of 1,5M euros for Rogkavopoulos’ contract.