By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Trieste officially welcomed Josh Bannan to their roster on Monday.
Per the press release: “Pallacanestro Trieste is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement to sign Joshua “Josh” Bannan, an Australian power forward born in 2001. Standing 6’10” (208 cm) and weighing 220 lbs (100 kg), Bannan is a modern and dynamic big man who combines physicality with sharp basketball IQ. He joins the red-and-white following a standout season as a key protagonist in the NB Lwith the Tasmania JackJumpers and boasts a recent gold medal with the Australian national team.
“We knew how essential a roster addition had become, and indeed have been scouring the market for an appreciable period of time,” commented President Paul Matiasic. “Our front office remained patient until the right opportunity arose to bring in a high-caliber player capable of delivering great energy to this team. The arrival of an ascending international talent like Bannan, who was the MVP of his team this year in the NBL, further demonstrates Pallacanestro Trieste’s unwavering ambition to remain at the top of the standings. The injuries we’ve faced in recent weeks made the need to strengthen our depth and extend our rotations even more evident. At the same time, we want athletes who fully embrace our style of play and commitment to competing, and Josh fits this profile perfectly. Welcome to Trieste!”
“We’re extremely excited to welcome a player of Josh’s class, character, skill and versatility – stated Pallacanestro Trieste GM Michael Arcieri – His team-first approach, work ethic and natural leadership ability are the perfect complement to our team and organization. He’s just completed an outstanding season with Tasmania of Australia’s NBL. His ability to play multiple positions on the offensive end, scoring at all three levels and acting as a real facilitator and play creator will enhance our offensive flow and production. His elite rebounding is well-established and will be fundamental for us as we battle over the next months. And his defensive toughness, grit and contagious competitiveness will benefit our team in countless ways. We’re thrilled to have Josh and Hannah join our Biancorosso Family and extend to them our very warmest Trieste embrace!”
Benvenuto a Trieste, Josh Bannan!
Comunicato stampa: https://t.co/AdXeaTIGol#bepartofit #pallacanestrotrieste
— Pallacanestro Trieste (@PallTrieste) March 9, 2026
Born in Melbourne, Bannan began his development in Australia’s elite academies, first at St. Kevin’s College and then at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. He moved to the United States for the 2020/2021 season to compete in NCAA Division I with the Montana Grizzlies. During his three seasons there, he showed progressive growth, concluding his junior year with stellar averages of 15.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, earning First-Team All-Big Sky honors. In 2023, he chose to begin his professional career in his homecountry with the Brisbane Bullets, making an immediate impact with 11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds in his rookie year.
After showcasing his skills with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024 NBA Summer League and getting a taste of European basketball during a brief but positive stint in France with Limoges CSP, he truly came into his own during the 2025-2026 season. Signed by the Tasmania JackJumpers, he led the team with averages of 15.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting over 50% from the field and becoming the club’s absolute cornerstone. Simultaneously, he established himself as a regular for the Australian senior national team (the Boomers), contributing to their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup victory in Saudi Arabia.
Bannan is the archetype of the contemporary big man: a “positionless” player capable of combining a strong presence on the glass with the ability to facilitate the offense. On the court, he is distinguished by what coaches describe as a “high motor”—inexhaustible energy that allows him to run the floor exceptionally well and generate extra possessions by crashing the offensive glass. Tactically, he serves as a “connector,” an element capable of greasing the offensive gears through excellent passing skills and quick reads.
Off the court and in the locker room, Joshua is recognized for his strong vocal leadership and a relentless work ethic. He is a competitor who never shies away from the “dirty work,” always putting the team’s needs ahead of individual stats. This mental toughness, combined with a game built on substance and intelligence, makes him a natural fit for the heat and passion of PalaTrieste.
Welcome to Trieste, Josh!”
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The move comes as the Italian side finds itself on the brink of elimination from Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, currently holding a 1–3 record in Group L of the Round of 16.
In a mirrored struggle, ERA Nymburk is also fighting for survival, trailing Dreamland Gran Canaria and La Laguna Tenerife by two games with only two remaining. Following the departures of Sir’Jabari Rice and Jhamir Brickus, Nymburk responded on Friday by signing Goran Filipovic, who is now poised to make his BCL debut.
When the Czech champions host Trieste at Prague’s Kralovka Arena this Wednesday, the losing side will be officially eliminated from the competition, while the winner perhaps retains a slim hope of advancing to the Quarterfinals.