MoraBanc Andorra Signs Sir'Jabari Rice for Liga Endesa Survival Push

MoraBanc Andorra has officially signed American guard Sir'Jabari Rice until the end of the Liga Endesa season, adding a proven scorer and playmaker to the backcourt during a critical fight for survival.

The 27-year-old from Houston, measuring 1.91m, arrives from Czech club ERA Nymburk, where he shone in the NBL and Basketball Champions League. In the European tournament, he ranked seventh in scoring at 18.6 points per game over 11 matches, with 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists on 42% three-point shooting. His domestic league stats showed over 20 points per game on average, alongside strong contributions in rebounds and assists across 23 outings.

Rice's path includes college careers at New Mexico State and Texas, going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, and G-League stints with Austin Spurs, Sioux Falls Skyforce (2024), and South Bay Lakers (2025). His only prior ventures outside the US were with Metros de Santiago in the Dominican Republic (2024) and Nymburk this season.

General manager Francesc Solana highlighted Rice's scoring ease, explosive first step, vision in pick-and-roll situations, and perimeter shooting. "We were looking for a play generator and scorer—these are his main strengths," Solana said, noting the club had tracked him for some time. "We expect him to adapt quickly and deliver the immediate impact we need to win games." The signing fills the gap left by injured Xavier Castañeda, sidelined for another three weeks; upon his return, at least one roster player will depart, with Morris Udeze mentioned as a possibility.

At his unveiling, Rice—donning number 10, previously Jerrick Harding's—called himself a "winner" ready to contribute right away in scoring, play-reading, and defense. Coach Žan Tabak wants him to elevate his defensive intensity for the league's demands, a challenge Rice embraces. "He understands I'm a scoring guard, but the key to extending my career is adding more defensive mindset," Rice said. He can also play point guard despite it not being his natural role and cited conversations with former New Mexico State teammate Udeze as pivotal to his decision. The ACB ranks as one of Europe's top leagues in his view, and he plans extra gym time to handle the physicality.

Rice has trained with the team and could debut Saturday at 8pm against Casademont Zaragoza, coached by Joan Plaza, at Pavelló Toni Martí. Shannon Evans remains doubtful with a calf strain, while Rafa Luz and Aaron Best's conditions post-FIBA duties are pending evaluation. Club officials have not ruled out extending his stay if he performs well.