Malta international centre Sam Deguara is the TaiwanBeer HeroBears’ newest signing after moving on from fellow Taipei-based club the Taipei Fubon Braves on Monday.
The announcement, made by the Taiwanese club, came just moments after the Fubon Braves confirmed that the centre had left the club after seven games played.
“Taipei Fubon Braves announced today that Samuel Deguara, a foreign player, has left the team,” a Braves statement read earlier in the day.
Deguara had averaged 15.3 points per game and 10.4 rebounds, shooting 68% from the field with a high of 30 points and 20 rebounds, however, the club said it had “made this adjustment due to lineup configuration considerations”, thanking the Malta center for his contributions over the past six months at the club.
A few hours later, Deguara was confirmed at the HeroBears, a T1 League side currently in fourth place of the standings, on an 11-10 record so far.
“TaiwanBeer HeroBears announced today that former Fubon Braves player Samuel Deguara has officially joined, and the formalities have been completed before the T1 league registration deadline,” a statement read.
Deguara’s height is said to have been a deciding factor with the club acquiring the 7’5 player instead of former player Dora Moore.
“Everyone is familiar with Deguara, at 230cm, he is the tallest foreign player in Taiwan’s history. This will give us the advantage of having a great impact on rim offense, protecting rebounds, and providing more opportunities for our perimeter shooters when we are double-teamed.”
Deguara will be joining the team later on in the month, with the club saying they would announce the exact time of his arrival “after the relevant documents are completed”.
Deguara will be an added bonus to the Malta National team and new coach Allan Watts, with the centre returning after having missed out on last summer’s FIBA Small Countries Games due to COVID-19.
