By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
AEK made a definitive statement regarding its future this Sunday by announcing the contract extension of Greg Brown III through the end of the 2026-2027 season. The 24-year-old American forward, a former standout at Texas with 70 games of NBA experience with the Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks, has made an immediate impact since arriving in Athens. It took only 47 days from his debut against ALBA Berlin for the Queen to secure his services long-term, signaling the club’s clear intentions for the upcoming competitive cycle.
After recovering from an injury early in his spell with AEK, Brown’s statistical output has fully justified the front office’s swift move. His contributions in the Basketball Champions League Season X, powered by Ameresco SUNEL, have been vital to the team’s success, with the forward averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game over four appearances. This defensive presence and rebounding tenacity have stabilized Dragan Sakota’s frontcourt as they navigated the Round of 16. In Greece’s Stoiximan GBL, he has been a consistent force in the paint, averaging 11.5 points and 7.2 rebounds.
The timing of the announcement comes as Group J reaches its climax. While AEK prepares for a first-place battle against ALBA Berlin at the Uber Arena this Wednesday, other teams in the group are already shifting focus. Karditsa Iaponiki, having been knocked out of quarterfinal contention with a 0-5 record, saw center Warren Washington depart for Lietkabelis and was released from his contract on Saturday. Washington averaged 3.8 points and 4.0 rebounds during his continental stint.