Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade announced the signing of center Tonye Jekiri on Monday, January 5, following the departure of Tyrique Jones to Olympiacos Piraeus. Jekiri, who will wear jersey number 23, joins the Serbian club after stints with CSKA Moscow, Fenerbahhe, UNICS Kazan, and other European teams.
The 2.14-meter center, 31, has a decorated European career, winning titles in the VTB League and Belgium. He previously played for Bandirma Kirmizi, Oostende, Gaziantep, ASVEL, Baskonia, and Fenerbahce before joining CSKA Moscow in 2023.
Jekiri has appeared in 102 EuroLeague games, averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 20.1 minutes per contest. He has maintained a field-goal percentage of 56.6% and a free-throw rate of 64.5% across his career.
Partizan currently sits at the bottom of the 2025-26 EuroLeague standings with a 6-13 record, posting a -162 point differential. Carlik Jones, currently injured, leads the team with 12.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, while Duane Washington averages 14.1 points and 2.3 assists.
The addition of Jekiri addresses a critical need in the frontcourt after Jones’ exit, offering Partizan interior defense, rebounding, and experienced playmaking from the center position.
Partizan travels to AS Monaco on Tuesday and then faces FC Barcelona on Friday, making Jekiri’s integration crucial for the team’s upcoming road schedule.
