Famous Spanish journalist Chema de Lucas reported that Kaunas “Žalgiris” has bought out the 26-year-old, 208 cm tall center with exceptional athletic abilities from the Ljubljana “Cedevita Olimpija” team, which officially never got to present Kaodirich Akobundu-Ehiogu to its fans.
This newcomer will complete the roster of the team coached by Tomas Masiulis, as according to 15min, Deividas Sirvydis, who dropped out of rotation last season and was looking for new options on the market, should remain in “Žalgiris”.
Two weeks ago, the two-time EuroLeague champion Martynas Gecevičius, who evaluated “Žalgiris'” offseason work on the 15min portal, specifically emphasized the lack of a fifth big man.
Now he shared his thoughts about the jumper arriving on Nemunas Island, aiming to enter the Guinness World Records.
“This is the kind of player that was roughly needed, but you don’t know what you will ultimately get from him,” M. Gecevičius said with a smile to 15min. “The fact is that ‘Žalgiris’ needed another big man. I have always held that opinion. Another question is that there are now fourteen players on the roster. That is a cosmic number, significantly changing the situation that the coaching staff will have to manage. I think this addition will definitely strengthen the front line somewhat, giving the coach more options. Of course, it’s still a question how this newcomer Kaodirich will look on the court. I think we shouldn’t expect any miracles, but ‘Žalgiris’ has gained some insurance. If something doesn’t work out with Marek Blaževič and Jonas Valančiūnas, the fifth position wouldn’t have to be suffered by Ąžuolas Tubelis alone. This ‘Žalgiris’ move is logical and interesting, if it proves successful.”
- Guards: Nigel Williams-Goss (31 years, 191 cm), Saben Lee (27 years, 188 cm), Carsen Edwards (28 years, 180 cm), Sterling Brown (31 years, 196 cm), Marius Grigonis (32 years, 198 cm), Dovydas Giedraitis (25 years, 193 cm);
- Forwards: Arnas Butkevičius (33 years, 197 cm), Edgaras Ulanovas (34 years, 199 cm), Deividas Sirvydis (26 years, 204 cm), Dustin Sleva (30 years, 203 cm);
- Big men: Jonas Valančiūnas (34 years, 211 cm), Ąžuolas Tubelis (24 years, 208 cm), Marek Blaževič (24 years, 211 cm), Kaodirich Akobundu-Ehiogu (26 years, 208 cm);
- Head coach: Tomas Masiulis (50 years).
K. Akobundu-Ehiogu will become the only Žalgiris player without EuroLeague basketball experience.
He brings three seasons of experience in the Old Continent to “Žalgiris”.
In 2023, he started his professional career with the Tübingen “Tigers” (Germany), then played for Varese “Pallacanestro” (Italy) and Manresa BAXI (Spain) teams.
The basketball player’s wingspan is an impressive 224 cm, and his jump allows him to reach the top of the board.
At first glance, he is the kind of player that was very much missing in the front line of the Kaunas team. This is athleticism, mobility, and the ability to protect the paint.
Finally, insurance and risk reduction if any of the current “Žalgiris” big men suffer an injury.
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