By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After two years with UCAM Murcia, Simon Birgander reunited with Jovenut Badalona, his previous home between 2017 and 2023. The 27-year-old Swedish center is also back in the Basketball Champions League, following 19 appearances between Divina Seguros Joventut back in 2017 and more recently with the Universitarios. His new side is in Group C of the 2025-26 Regular Season, alongside Hapoel Netanel Holon, Cholet, and another team to be determined in the Qualification Rounds.
At La Laguna Tenerife, 33-year-old Joan Sastre emerged as the latest player to ink a contract extension during the offseason. The former BCL champion committed for two more years, with the deal including an option for an additional season. Adding to his current tally of 59 appearances, the next continental campaign starts in Group D, opposite Tofas, Bnei PenLink Herzliya, and Trapani Shark.
On the way to Group E, opposite Galatasaray MCT Technic, FIT/One Wurzburg Baskets, and Trieste, Igokea m:tel added 27-year-old Nikola Popovic. The youth product of Crvena Zvezda and former Boston College standout is coming off 15 BCL games with Falco-Vulcano Szombathely last season. He also played in Belgium and Lithuania during his professional career.
Cate returns to Murcia
Getting ready to compete for a spot in the Regular Season through the Qualification Rounds, Murcia welcomed back 27-year-old Emanuel Cate, securing his services for the 2025-26 journey. The Romanian center is a veteran of 29 BCL games between his previous spell and last season with Baxi Manresa.
After a long run with Buducnost VOLI, 28-year-old Aleksa Ilic reunited with fellow Podgorica outfit, SC Derby, to strengthen the Qualifiers bid.
Heading to a matchup versus Derby in an eight-team tournament opener, PAOK mateco reunited with 37-year-old Theodoros Zaras.
Elsewhere, Kauhajoki Karhu picked up 23-year-old Hugo Boman and Patrioti Levice signed 27-year-old Will Carius.
Photo Credit: FIBA