By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Braian Angola is back in the Basketball Champions League, joining Dreamland Gran Canaria for the 2025-26 season. The 31-year-old Colombian winger previously played 27 BCL games, spread between spells with Galatasaray Nef, Pinar Karsiyaka, AEK, and an upcoming opponent in Group G of the Regular Season, Filou Oostende.
Another Group G side, Mersin Spor, announced a one-year contract extension for head coach Can Sevim, before also extending key players Gabriel Olaseni and Pako Cruz. The 33-year-old British center and the 35-year-old Mexican guard have played 37 and 25 BCL games, earlier in their respective careers.
Meanwhile, Trieste picked up 27-year-old Davide Moretti. The former Texas Tech standout is returning to the league, following two showings in the Qualification Rounds 2023 with Varese, to strengthen his new side in Group E opposite Galatasaray MCT Technic, Igokea m:tel, and FIT/One Wurzburg Baskets.
Also, Galata reunited with 28-year-old Ridvan Oncel. The Turkish point guard is a veteran of 57 appearances in the Champions League, including 11 as a member of the Lions in the 2021-22 campaign. He spent the last two seasons with Anadolu Efes.
Cameron Hunt to Badalona
Heading to Group B, Joventut Badalona picked up 27-year-old Cameron Hunt. The newcomer is set for a third straight year in the top-tier club continental competition of FIBA Europe, following up on 22 games played with BAXI Manresa and JDA Dijon.
Another Liga Endesa participant, a lasting original of the BCL, La Laguna Tenerife, announced a two-year contract extension for 32-year-old Jaime Fernandez. The Madrid native is a veteran of 42 appearances in the league, including 33 with Tenerife.
After appearing in the Qualification Rounds with CSM CSU Oradea and Sporting CP, 31-year-old Travante Williams earns a direct ticket to the next Regular Season to compete in Group H with Le Mans.
In Group A, Legia Warszawa powered up with 23-year-old Wojciech Tomaszewski. In 2020, with Anwil Wloclawek, the Polish winger logged one BCL appearance. Returning to the league, he signed a two-year contract.
Busy Qualifiers teams
Fresh off a brilliant NCAA career with Central Florida, 23-year-old Darius Johnson joined SC Derby. His first professional experience will be in the Qualification Rounds in late September.
In a similar situation, coming out of Elon Phoenix, 22-year-old Sam Sherry inked a one-year contract with the Bakken Bears.
Also, CSM CSU Oradea confirmed 28-year-old Kalif Young as a returning player.
Fellow Qualifiers outfit, Trepca, welcomed 29-year-old JaCori Payne and retained 34-year-old Drilon Hajrizi.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net