Luxol Basketball Club announce import trio

Woody, Jovanovic, Hulsen join roster

Less than 24 hours after the announcement of Malta international point guard Nathan Xuereb, Luxol Basketball Club unveiled three new players from their squad when they confirmed previous reports about Tariq Woody and small forward Nikola Jovanovic, while also bringing Belgian guard Gael Hulsen back to Malta.

The club issued a statement on their socials on Monday to show off their new signings.

“Luxol Basketball Club are delighted to announce the signing of three players consisting of Tariq Woody, Gael Hulsen, and Nikola Jovanovic,” the statement read.

“Tariq (Woody) is a promising 23-year-old centre right out of Fairmont State University who is looking forward to his first professional experience overseas.

“Gael (Hulsen) is returning back to our shores following various basketball experiences throughout Europe. Having already played in Malta in 2019, the experienced Belgian guard should be a great fit for our team!

“On the other hand, Nikola (Jovanovic) comes off playing a season with local side Mellieha basketball club. The 22-year-old Serbian is used to the local league and has the potential to impact positively our team.

“The 3 signees augur well for the upcoming season. We now can’t wait for the season to start!”

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The Times of Malta had previously reported last week that former Fairmont State forward Woody had joined the Purple after confirmation from his agency Rise Sports.

Woody, a 6’8 centre who can play also as a power forward, joins on the back of his senior year at NCAA Division Two side Fairmont State where he averaged 18.2 minutes a game, 8.4 points, and 5.3 rebounds. He went 69% from the line and 63% from two-point range.

The Michigan native will come as a valid replacement for last season’s centre Tayler Mattos who was an instrumental part of the side which made it to the playoffs before falling to eventual league winners Starlites.

Similarly, former Mellieha Libertas forward Jovanovic, who was part of former coach Christian Narciso’s roster last season in his debut season in Malta, has switched sides three days after his departure was confirmed by Mellieha on their socials.

Finally, Monday’s announcement showcased the return of former Floriana combo guard Hulsen.

The 6’4 swingman brings back good memories from his time in Malta during the 2018-19 season where he averaged 30 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

While he was last in Germany with Aschersleben, he will be looking forward to joining Duncan Fenech’s clan for a second stint in the Maltese league despite not having the opportunity to face his old team again this time around.