Becomes first signing under new coach
Malta centre Kurt Cassar has joined Italian Serie B side NPC Rieti, the club announced on Saturday.
Speaking to the club’s socials, Cassar showed his enthusiasm towards the new season, particularly being the club’s first summer signing under new coach Francesco Ponticello.
“I am very proud to play in a squad like Rieti,” Cassar said.
“I know coach Francesco Ponticiello well because I already had the chance to play with him at Ruvo di Puglia. I can’t wait to get started and get to know all the teammates, staff, and managers, and especially the fans.”
Cassar, who has spent the majority of his career in Italy, joins after a stint with Virtus Ragusa last season.
At Ragusa, he averaged 12.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 43.3% field-goal percentage in 27 games. His best performance with the side was a double-double in February against Civitus Allianz Vicenza when he finished with 26 points and 18 rebounds. This was a second successive double-double for Cassar with the centre having scored 21 points and grabbed 10 boards in the previous game.
Malta international Cassar had originally played under Ponticello during the 2021-22 season when he played in Serie B Girone D with Puglia. Now he joins a side that will be hoping to return to Serie A2 after suffering relegation from Girone Salvezza following six wins and eight defeats in the league, leading to them finishing in the penultimate spot.
The 6’9 centre returns to club competition after being part of Malta coach Alan Wall’s team at this year’s Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE2023) which saw the team finish with a silver medal after defeat to winners Luxembourg.
