By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Addressing several preseason injuries, including Hassan Martin, who is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month, Hapoel Netanel Holon added Todd Withers on Friday.
The 29-year-old American combo forward will resurface in the Basketball Champions League after ten appearances from previous European stints with Darussafaka Lassa and Fortitudo Bologna. With the Israeli club, he will display his talents in Group C of the Regular Season, opposite Joventut Badalona, Cholet, and one more team coming out of the Qualifiers.
“We will work together to quickly integrate him into team activities, and I have no doubt that he will be able to demonstrate his abilities in preparation for the challenges we will face this season,” head coach Danny Franco welcomed the former Queens standout.
Among the Qualifiers candidates to enter Group B with ALBA Berlin, ERA Nymburk, and Sabah, UCAM Murcia renewed the contract of head coach Sito Alonso on Saturday. The new deal lasts until the end of the 2027-28 season.
The 49-year-old native of Madrid has been in charge of the Universitarios since 2019. His success over the last six years includes a third-place finish in the 2023-24 installment of FIBA Europe’s top-tier club continental competition.
Aiming for a spot alongside AEK, VEF Riga, and NHSZ-Szolnoki Olajbanyasz in Group F via the Qualifiers, Trepca picked up 28-year-old guard Adnan Arslanagic on Friday.
Three eight-team tournaments will tip off on Friday in Samokov. Following the Qualifiers, the Regular Season begins on October 7.
Photo Credit: FIBA