Depiro BC announced their new coach on Wednesday as they named former NBA Development League assistant coach Brian Semonian. The announcement confirms earlier reports by the Times of Malta as the club looks to appoint play callers for both their men’s and women’s squads.
Semonian joins on the back of a two-year stint with Venados Basketball in Mexico’s CIBACOPA as the team’s assistant coach. He will replace former coach James Bamfield, who received a season ban late last season after a tanking incident during the final game of the regular season against Hibernians.
Speaking to the club’s socials, Semonian said he can’t wait to begin his experience with the club.
“I wanted to thank Ruben (Baldacchino), club CEO, and the rest of the staff for the opportunity,” he said.
“I am really looking forward to working with all the players and coaches and learning about basketball in Malta. This will be my first time visiting the country so I can’t wait to learn about the history and the culture and food of course while I’m here.”
The American coach is set to bring in a wealth of experience through his time in the NBA Development League, now called the G-League, with the Anaheim Arsenal. The Arsenal are presently called the Grand Rapids Gold after moving away from Anaheim and are the affiliate team of the Denver Nuggets.
Semonian was also one of the coaches for the American Select teams, composed of athletes that have completed their college or NCAA eligibility and are looking for professional contracts internationally. Two of these teams visited Malta last year for a four-team international tournament featuring Malta league winners Starlites BC and Depiro BC.
