By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Basketball Champions League is shaping up for an intense 2026–27 campaign as clubs across Europe complete crucial transactions ahead of the Regular Season and the preceding Qualification Rounds.
Defending champions Rytas announced a 1+1 deal with 33-year-old veteran Arturas Gudaitis. The captain will anchor a returning core featuring Kay Bruhnke, Augustas Marciulionis, Martynas Paliukenas, Gytis Masiulis, and Ignas Urbonas. Under new head coach Nedas Pacevicius, the Lithuanian side has reloaded with newcomers Cassius Winston, Michael Devoe, Ricky Lindo Jr., Oskaras Pleikys, Matas Jogela, and Gytis Radzevicius. The Vilnius outfit will headline Regular Season Group A, which also includes Nanterre 92, Trabzonspor, and Sabah, with the Azerbaijan champions recently boosting their ranks by onboarding 23-year-old Frankie Fidler.
In Group D, Peristeri Betsson strengthened their backcourt by securing a one-year contract with 28-year-old Paul Scruggs. He links up with an extensive roster under head coach Vassilis Xanthopoulos that includes Will Carius, Jalen Finch, Giorgos Gkiouzelis, and Omar Payne. The Greek side is set to battle BMA365 Bamberg Baskets, Openjobemtis Varese, and UCAM Murcia.
Meanwhile, Group H competitor Telekom Baskets Bonn retained forward Kur Jongkuch with an extension through 2027–28, though the 27-year-old faces an indefinite absence due to upcoming knee surgery. In Group G, fellow German club and easyCredit BBL champion ALBA Berlin concluded a preseason agreement with 29-year-old Benedikt Turudic.
The battle for the final Regular Season spots is expected to be equally fierce. Preparing for the Qualification Rounds in Samokov, Glint Korfez acquired 27-year-old Matt Mitchell, while Turkish rivals Yukatel Merkezefendi brought back 26-year-old big Marko Pecarski.
Concurrently, the Landau Lions injected youth into their squad with 24-year-old Kerwin Walton and 26-year-old Ercan Donat. Finally, Vienna bolstered its qualification aspirations by recruiting 29-year-old Kresimir Radovcic and reinforcing their frontline with 26-year-old JD Muila.
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