First official signing for new Division One club
New Maltese basketball club Valletta Fighters confirmed their first player when they signed US point guard Desean Mattox.
The 6’1 guard joins a side in its debut season in Malta after announcing themselves at the beginning of August.
Mattox comes to Malta with vast experience, having played college ball at the University of Eastern Oregon in NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and eventually venturing out overseas. He played in countries like Armenia, India, and Colombia where he was last part of the San Andres Warriors roster.
Despite playing just three games with the Warriors, he had averaged 12.3 points per game with a 52.9% three-point percentage.
Local signings
With the new season fast approaching Valletta have a tough task on their hands to field a competitive squad to go with their vision.
While Mattox will be one of two allowed simultaneously on court due to the foreigners’ quota, the team will need to stock up on Maltese players, or Malta-based players who have been here for the past three years, to complete their squad.
Various names have been circulating with players like Luca Stefanovic and Peter Shoults both rumoured to be close to joining. The former however, has opted to stay at Gzira Athleta for the coming season, crossing himself off the list for a potential move across the local league.
Asked about any local targets, technical director Harry Savaya told the Times of Malta there were negotiations taking place regarding various players from the local community. However, he admitted the club is yet to confirm any of them.
