With the FIBA World Cup fast approaching, a lot of transactions are happening around Europe at the moment as teams want to finalise or build their rosters significantly before the domestic season begins in September/October.
BRIAN RANDLE TO TEL AVIV?
Forward Brian Randle could be heading to the Israeli and Euroleague champions Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, according to David Pick.
Randle, who played for Maccabi Haifa last season could sign for Maccabi on a two-year deal. The ex-llinois forward has already held one-to-one talks with new coach Guy Goodes.
ANTONIS KONIARIS SNAPPED UP BY PANATHINAIKOS
Greece U18 international Antonis Koniaris has penned a five-year deal with Greek giants Panathinaikos.
The youngster arrives from PAOK and while he might not get the minutes needed, he will mature into a solid point guard in the future, which is what Panathinaikos want.
PANKO AND FUENLABRADA IN TALKS?
Despite the rumours that Andy Panko left Fuenlabrada in the off-season, talks are now ongoing for Panko to re-sign for the club for next season.
Talks according to local media are in early stages, but a new one-year contract may be offered to Panko.
MCLEAN TO ALBA BERLIN?
Alba Berlin looks set to sign Jamal McLean, according to BZ.Berlin.
McLean spent last season at Telekom Baskets Bonn, where he averaged 13.2 points and 7.7 rebounds a game last season.
The forward could be announced over the weekend.
HAMILTON WANTS TO PLAY ONE MORE SEASON
Richard Hamilton didn’t play last season after he left Chicago Bulls, but the fire still burns and the guard, who won an NBA title with Detroit Pistons wants to play one more season.
In an interview with HoopsHype …
You didn’t play last season. Why?
Richard Hamilton: Actually, It was the first time in my career I was a free agent… So it was good because it was my decision. It was an opportunity for me to be with my kids. You know, be around my family, let my body heal from playing basketball for the first time since I was 7!
Did you consider retirement?
RH: I did, I did, I did. At this stage of my life it’s just like, ‘Hey, I’ve done everything, I won a NBA championship, I won in college, I’ve been in the All-Star Game and I did everything’. So this is like an opportunity for me to say, ‘You know what? Let me put my other priorities in perspective – like my family, be around them – and after a year I’ll take a look at and see if I still want to play.’
What do you miss about basketball?
RH: Oh, man… The playoffs! I miss the playoffs, I miss my teammates, I miss being in a locker room with a great group of guys.
What are your future plans? Do you see yourself playing again in the NBA?
RH: Yeah, yeah. I think for me, personally, I have to see how my body responds after the summer. I want to play another year and hopefully get an opportunity to play on a team with a chance to win a title.
