Dubai Basketball has signed former NBA player Davis Bertans, who will join the side for their groundbreaking season in Europe’s ABA League.
The Latvian forward, who last played for the Charlotte Hornets, is set to debut with the newly established Dubai Basketball team, marking the first time a UAE team will compete in a major European league.
Their inaugural match will be held at Coca-Cola Arena on September 22, where they will face off against the reigning league champions, Red Star.
Tickets for this highly anticipated opening game are now available.
Bertans, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his eight-year NBA career with teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Charlotte Hornets, is also a seasoned European competitor with titles in the Serbian league and the Slovenian Cup.
He completes Dubai Basketball’s roster as they head to Sarajevo this weekend for a friendly tournament, before returning to Dubai for final preparations.
The 31-year-old forward expressed his enthusiasm about joining Dubai Basketball: "It’s a great feeling to join Dubai Basketball in their first-ever season. The roster that has been put together is very competitive, and it’s a club with great ambitions for the future. I’m excited about this new challenge and can’t wait to play in front of our fans later this month."
Head coach Jurica Golemac praised Bertans’ addition to the team: "Davis Bertans clearly brings exceptional basketball talent to the table as a 8-season NBA player with substantial European experience. His arrival underscores the commitment and ambition of our project while also greatly enhancing the credibility of our newly established franchise."
Crystal Palace's Eze seals historic FA Cup final win
Dangerous weather suspends play at PGA Championship
Norris turns tables on Piastri in final Imola practice
Vegas clings to PGA lead as Kim, Scheffler charge
UAE official makes history with senior FIFA appointment
