By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rytas officially welcomed Jerrick Harding, Jordan Walker, and Kay Bruhnke on Sunday. The 27-year-old guard, a Weber State product, is bouncing back in the Basketball Champions League, heading to Group A of the Regular Season, following 33 games with ERA Nymburk, BAXI Manresa, and MoraBanc Andorra. Off an explosive introduction with 23.1 points per contest over seven appearances with Promitheas Vikos Cola, including a league record of 54 points versus FIT/One Wurzburg Baskets in March, 25-year-old Walker was set for an encore. As for 24-year-old Bruhnke, he is a newcomer to the league, having previously displayed his talents in the BKT EuroCup and FIBA Europe Cup.
Another Group A side was busy as well, with Legia Warszawa securing the services of 24-year-old Shane Hunter for the 2025-26 season, on loan from Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv. The 24-year-old center started his professional career with the Norrkoping Dolphins, winning the national league in Sweden and being named Most Valuable Player of the Finals. He also played two games in the BCL Qualification Rounds at the top of the 2024-25 journey, before switching to the FIBA Europe Cup. The next continental challenge is a six-game double-legged round-robin schedule, opposite Promitheas and MLP Academics Heidelberg, as well as the team based in Vilnius.
Another team from Poland’s Orlen Basket Liga, but heading to Samokov to play in the Qualifiers, PGE Start Lublin tabbed 24-year-old Jordan Wright to a one-year contract. The former Louisiana State and Vanderbilt standout introduced himself to the Champions League last season, logging seven games played with Aliaga Petkimspor, including three in a successful campaign in the Qualification Rounds.
Following three Qualification tournaments between September 19 and 25, the Regular Season tip-off is scheduled on October 7.