Report: Rolands Smits to Return to Spain with Baskonia
Latvian basketball player Rolands Smits, who joined China's CBA club Ningbo Rockets this offseason, is set to move to Spain's Baskonia of Vitoria, according to Spanish outlet SER Vitoria. His departure from the Chinese club is said to be a matter of formalities.
Latvian forward Rolands Smits, who joined the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) this offseason, could soon return to Spain. Spanish outlet SER Vitoria reported this on 10 November. If the information is confirmed, Smits will continue his career with Baskonia of Vitoria.
According to the outlet, Smits has not yet officially parted ways with the Rockets, but the split is currently only a question of formalities. He is also no longer listed on the Ningbo roster.
Baskonia plays in Spain's top basketball league, the ACB, and in the EuroLeague (ULEB), Europe's leading club competition. Smits' countryman Rodions Kurucs is already with the team. SER Vitoria reports that his exit from China, described as imminent, still has to be finalised, and his contract with the Vitoria club must be completed.
Previous career
Before moving to China, Smits spent two seasons with Anadolu Efes of Istanbul and, before that, two years with Zalgiris of Kaunas. He began his EuroLeague career with Barcelona, spending four seasons with the Catalan club. He has 249 EuroLeague games of experience.
In China, Smits averaged 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in eight games.
