27-year-old scoring ace from ERA Nymburk cleared to debut Saturday vs

MoraBanc Andorra has officially signed US guard Sir’Jabari Rice until the end of the Liga Endesa season, with the 27-year-old now registered and cleared to debut on Saturday at 8pm against Casademont Zaragoza at Pavelló Toni Martí.

The 1.91m player from Houston, born 28 December 1998, joins from Czech side ERA Nymburk after passing a medical and taking part in training sessions on Monday alongside players returning from international duty. He will wear jersey number 10. Initial reports noted the deal awaited the international transfer certificate from Czech authorities and a squad departure, with Nigerian centre Morris Udeze the leading candidate amid interest from clubs outside Spain. The club has now finalized these steps.

At his official presentation, Rice called himself a "winner" ready to make an immediate impact in scoring, playmaking and defence. He highlighted coach Žan Tabak's push to boost his defensive mindset, describing Liga Endesa as "one of Europe's best leagues" and committing to extra gym work for the intense schedule. Rice, who can also handle point guard duties, mentioned prior contact with Udeze from their high school days as a factor in his decision.

General manager Francesc Solana described Rice as a scorer with an explosive first step, strong pick-and-roll vision and perimeter shooting threat, expecting quick adaptation to provide a quality boost. The signing targets backcourt needs amid injuries: Xavier Castañeda faces a three-week absence, Shannon Evans is doubtful with a calf problem, and Rafa Luz and Aaron Best's status depends on their post-FIBA condition. Solana noted another roster move upon Castañeda's return, likely involving Udeze, while leaving open the possibility of extending Rice's stay beyond this season.

In his debut European campaign with Nymburk, Rice averaged over 20 points in the Mattoni NBL across 23 games, plus 14.8 points, 4.2 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks in 20.3 minutes. He ranked seventh in Basketball Champions League scoring at 18.6 points on 42% three-point shooting, with 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 26.1 minutes over 11 outings.

Rice's background features college stints at Georgia Tech and New Mexico State, G League time with Austin Spurs, Sioux Falls Skyforce and South Bay Lakers, and a 2024 spell with Metros de Santiago in the Dominican Republic. The move comes after the FIBA window, with players like Artem Pustovyi back following Ukraine's clash with Spain.