MoraBanc Andorra Nears Signing of Star BCL Guard Sir'Jabari Rice
Andorran club in advanced talks to add American combo guard Rice amid injury crisis and roster shakeup, using FIBA window to strengthen backcourt.
Key Points
- Rice averages 18.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 42% 3PT in BCL for Nymburk.
- Signing prompted by Castañeda injury; requires releasing a big man.
- Recent failed deal with Darryl Macon led to coach change to Zan Tabak.
- Rice's path: NCAA, G League, Mexico, DR; European debut this season.
MoraBanc Andorra is close to signing American combo guard Sir'Jabari Rice, a standout performer in the Basketball Champions League with Czech side ERA Nymburk, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
The club, based at the Baixada del Molí arena and led by president Gorka Aixàs, is using the current pause in competition—caused by the Copa del Rei and FIBA international window—to bolster its roster. The priority became acute after point guard Xavier Castañeda suffered an injury, leaving a gap at the playmaking position. Rice, born in 1998 in Houston, is in advanced talks with the team, as confirmed by basketball insider Chema de Lucas and corroborated by Altaveu. A deal could be finalized before the FIBA window ends.
In BCL play this season, the 26-year-old has averaged 18.6 points (60% on two-pointers, 42% from three), 3.5 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. Making his European debut after a college career in the NCAA, stints in the NBA G League, and time in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Rice has flirted with NBA opportunities but never secured a spot.
To accommodate him, MoraBanc will need to release a player, with insiders pointing to one of the interior positions. Ukrainian center Artem Pustovyi is the only big considered untouchable amid recent questions over the frontcourt. The exact departure will depend on market options for the current roster members.
Club officials are proceeding cautiously following a recent false start with another combo guard, Darryl Macon. Days ago, an agreement appeared set with Macon, then at Greek club Maroussi, but the team blocked the move. Macon was announced on Friday as joining Dinamo Sassari instead. MoraBanc pivoted to Castañeda, whose early promise was cut short by injury, prompting further changes including the dismissal of coach Joan Plaza in favor of Zan Tabak.
Under Tabak, who previously coached in Poland alongside current guard Aaron Best, Best has solidified his role after earlier doubts.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: