By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Turkish teams are making major strides ahead of the Basketball Champions League Qualification Rounds, fortifying their ambitions with high-profile roster additions.
On Sunday afternoon, Glint Korfez bolstered their frontcourt by securing 27-year-old forward Alex Reese, who brings valuable NBA pedigree after appearing in 15 games with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2024–25 Regular Season. Joining them in the qualifying challenge is Yukatel Merkezefendi, who welcomed 29-year-old veteran Erten Gazi, who brings championship-caliber leadership to the squad, having captured consecutive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague titles with Anadolu Efes in 2021 and 2022.
Heading directly to the Regular Season of the 2026–27 edition of the BCL, Peristeri Betsson finalized a domestic reunion by penning Giorgos Gkiouzelis to a one-year deal on Monday. The 30-year-old forward integrates into a revamped roster featuring Will Carius, Jalen Finch, John Ittounas, Grace Ngindu, Ty Nichols, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Dimitris Papageorgiou, Omar Payne, Alexandros Thomakos, and Nikos Tziallas under head coach Vassilis Xanthopoulos. The Greek club is preparing for competitive Group D, opposite BMA365 Bamberg Baskets, Openjobmetis Varese, and UCAM Murcia.
Further shaping the main tournament field on Monday, Telekom Baskets Bonn announced a preseason agreement with 24-year-old guard-forward Marcus Foster, who has linked up with the Group H contenders during their training camp in Slovenia. Meanwhile, the race through the Qualification Rounds in Samokov intensifies outside of Turkiye. Portuguese powerhouse Benfica secured a long-term future asset by announcing a substantial four-year contract with talented 22-year-old Luis Silva.
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