Hibernians rope in American duo

Hibernians BC announced two new import-player signings for the coming season in the Malta Division One when they named Calvin Whipple and Mason Hix to their squad.

“The Hibernians Basketball Men Senior Team is pleased to announce the two new US imports; from Leominster, Massachusetts Calvin Whipple, 24 years old, 193cm, and from Decatur, Texas Mason Hix, 23 years old and 203cm. Welcome on board!” a club statement read.

The Paolites, now back aiming for their return to glory after a troubled season that saw them finish last in the league, will now already be banking on an extra overseas player compared to last season when Justin Bogle was the only new import, together with Ivan Demcesen who has been at the club for a number of years.

6’4 guard Whipple joins the side after experiences in Ireland, Albania, and China following his college career with the Fairfield Stags in the NCAA Division 1.

His latest stint in China has seen him averaging 22.5 points per game, four rebounds, three assists, and a total of 31 Three Pointers in 8 games.

Earlier, in the Albanian Superliga and Liga Unike with KB Teuta, Whipple averaged 11 points per game, two assists, 1.3 steals, and 47% accuracy from three-point range. With Teuta he won the Albanian Super Cup as a starter.

Meanwhile, Hix, a 6’8 forward, joins the Paolites straight after finishing his college ball career with St Edward’s University in the NCAA Division 2.

Hix played at St Edward’s for the past two seasons, having joined from Texas State. Last season, he averaged 8.3 points per game, 0.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.4 steals.

Both players join a squad that might be approaching the return of coach Mario Tabone after a season ban from the sport as a result of a tanking incident during the 2021-22 season.