Starlites acquire US forward Darius George

Malta basketball defending champions Starlites FIJO announced the signing of US forward Darius George on Wednesday as they aim for a double this coming season.

George, coming to Malta on the back of his senior year at Marshall University joins new signing Matt Attard as the latest addition to Paul Ferrante’s clan.

Read: Starlites confirm Matt Attard signing

The 6’7 versatile big man played 31 games last season with the Thundering Herd, Marshall’s basketball team, going 53.5% from the field to average 6.2 points, and 3.5 rebounds a game.

Upon his confirmation with the Naxxar club, George spoke to US news portal News Leader, saying he didn’t immediately grasp the reality of him becoming a professional basketball player, a dream he carried since childhood.

“To have this opportunity means so much to me,” George said.

“Being a professional now, I couldn’t even find the words at first. It didn’t hit me until I saw all the support I had and everybody congratulating me.”

Watch: Coach Ferrante praises Starlites’ commitment after title success

Back in his college days, George held the record of most played games for the Herd – 143 games. He also helped lead the team to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament in 2018, the school’s first appearance in more than 30 years. That season, Marshall won its first-ever NCAA Tournament game, beating Wichita State.

George joins a Starlites side that cruised through their Playoff tie against Mellieha Libertas and won the series with a clean 3-0 sweep. Both sides have been active this summer to replace their outgoing players. This is particularly when it comes to the three import players. In an interview with the Times of Malta, coach Paul Ferrante admitted the norm was for these players to spend their rookie year in the Maltese league before seeking a higher level.