Starlites sign US forward Kurt James

James replaces Lorquet as third US import player

Malta titleholders Starlites JSD announced their latest signing, US forward Kurt James II over the weekend, replacing summer signing Malik Lorquet who was unable to continue his stint with the club after the John Tabone Shield.

“We would like to welcome Kurt James to the Starlites family. Kurt who played in both D1 and D2 NCAA Colleges as well as in Portugal, Spain, and Argentina as a pro, brings with him a vast experience to the team. Welcome Kurt!” a club statement read on Saturday.

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6’5 import player James was in Malta ahead of the side’s opening fixture in the league against Mellieha Libertas but was not registered in time to be part of the game. However, on Sunday, he featured and put on an impressive debut performance with a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds in 35 minutes on court under coach Paul Ferrante.

James, described by Ferrante as a “versatile player who can play all positions”, joins an already stacked side looking for a third-straight title. This will be his fourth country playing basketball with home being his start at Valdosta State University. He has also played in Argentina, Portugal, and most lately in the LEB Silver, Spain’s third tier, with Madrid side Zentro Basket.

Lorquet returns home

The James signing comes as a boost after the team’s setback when announcing that fellow US forward Malik Lorqet was leaving the club just months into his stint.

“Starlites BC would like to thank Senior player Malik Lorquet who will not be prolonging his stay in Malta. Malik holds a 100% record with Starlites, he was also an important part of the club’s Super Cup and JT Shield trophies during the past weeks,” the Naxxar club had announced upon his departure.

Lorquet had already been a replacement signing this summer after Canadian player Stephane Ingo also returned to the US to continue his studies.

With James, Starlites have found impressive cogs to their machine with Davonte Craven and Christian Hinckson who have both been instrumental to the club’s Super Cup and John Tabone shield successes as the side have won all but one game – their league opener against Mellieha – this new season.