MoraBanc Andorra Signs James Akinjo to Bolster Backcourt Depth
The club adds the 1.85m American playmaker to its roster for coach Žan Tabak, enhancing playmaking alongside Robertson, Mutic and Aquino amid key departures and expected wing reinforcements.
Key Points
- James Akinjo, 25, joins from NBA G League's Grand Rapids Gold and Israel's Ironi Nes Ziona, averaging 6.2 pts and 6.2 assists.
- Fills gap from departures like Shannon Evans and Yves Pons; retains core like Rafa Luz and Kyle Kuric.
- New arrivals include Kassius Robertson, Lazar Mutic, Owen Aquino; three more players expected.
- Akinjo's college stardom at Georgetown, Arizona, Baylor; worked out with NBA teams post-2022 draft.
MoraBanc Andorra has officially signed American point guard James Akinjo, adding playmaking depth to its backcourt for the upcoming season alongside recent arrivals Kassius Robertson, Lazar Mutic and Owen Aquino.
The 25-year-old from Oakland, California—who stands 1.85 metres tall—comes from Grand Rapids Gold in the NBA G League, following a late stint with Ironi Nes Ziona in Israel's Winner League. There, he averaged 6.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to orchestrate plays and sustain offensive flow. Club officials confirmed the signing on Friday, building on four new additions so far, with three more expected: a shooting guard, small forward and interior player to round out coach Žan Tabak's roster.
Akinjo, who began his pro career after going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, previously worked out with affiliates of the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings. His college pedigree includes standout performances at Georgetown, Arizona and Baylor, where he secured third-team All-American honours and Big 12 first-team recognition.
The signing fills a gap left by several departures, including Shannon Evans to Promitheas Patras, Yves Pons to ASVEL Villeurbanne, and others such as McKoy, Castañeda, Sir’Jabari Rice, Guerrero and Stan Okoye. Uncertainties remain around Kostadinov. Retaining core players Rafa Luz, Chumi Ortega and Aaron Best—whose contracts were extended—along with Kyle Kuric and Artem Pustovyi, provides continuity after a mixed previous campaign.
Sporting director Jordi Ardèvol is prioritising wing reinforcements to balance offence, physicality and defence. Robertson, 32 and 1.90 metres, brings scoring punch from Dreamland Gran Canaria (8.5 points per game in 19 Liga Endesa appearances last season), while Mutic offers perimeter versatility and Aquino adds interior growth potential. The revamped squad aims to step up under Tabak.
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