Joshua Tomasi signs for Depiro BC

Fourth signing for Mtarfa Club this summer

Malta international Joshua Tomasi has joined Depiro BC the club announced on Monday. This confirms the fourth new signing of the summer for the club as they affect a transfer coup for their Division One team ahead of the coming season.

He joins a squad that is negotiating the return of guard Cameron Cornelius and centre Kameron Rooks through an extension of their contract, after the acquisition of Serbian trio Nenad Bukva, Bogdan Mrkjevic, and Nikola Bozovic from within the local league. Both Bukva and Bozovic were Malta representatives at this year’s Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) in the 3×3 event, with Tomasi being part of the 5×5 squad for the first time after having been scouted by the Malta Basketball Association.

6’10 forward Tomasi impressed in his first caps with the National Team under coach Alan Walls at the GSSE and was instrumental to the team’s route to the final which saw them win a silver medal after falling to Luxembourg. Now he returns to the island to play his club basketball under coach Ruben Baldacchino who lauded his new forward as a great signing for his project.

“We have been following Joshua (Tomasi) in the past months and after his positive performances both with the national team and Nunawading, we decided he is the right fit for our team,” Depiro head coach Ruben Baldacchino said in a statement.

“Joshua is a talented player that brings size and strength to the team. He will surely leave his mark in our league and will soon become a fan favorite.”

Tomasi was originally set for another season with the Tasmania Jackjumpers in the Australian NBL but the 21-year-old was granted a release from his 2023/24 Development Player contract last Friday.

In a statement, the club said Tomasi had decided to “pursue opportunities in Europe and requested a release” from his contract.

“Josh (Tomasi) has been approached by clubs in European Leagues after a number of great performances for his home country Malta in the Small Nations games and in the NBL1 recently” Co-CEO Jorrick Chivers.

“After much consideration, he has decided that he wishes to pursue these opportunities, which is understandable, and we wish him all the very best. We will watch his progress with keen interest.  

“He’s a great kid with a bright future and we’ll welcome him back to the JackJumpers if the opportunity arises in the future,” Chivers said.

Since then, all was confirmed for former St. Cloud State Huskies (NCAA Div. 2) and Nunawading player Tomasi to join Depiro ahead of the official announcement.