ERA Nymburk has strengthened its team for the upcoming Basketball Champions League (BCL) season by signing 28-year-old center Marcus Santos-Silva to a one-year contract. This move marks his return to the BCL and completes Nymburk’s roster as they prepare to compete in Group B.
💪 A Powerful Force in the Paint
Head coach Oren Amiel expressed his excitement about the new addition, highlighting the physical presence Santos-Silva will bring to the team. “Marcus will give us physical strength and will,” Amiel noted. He also praised Santos-Silva’s versatility, adding, “He can play in any combination with all our big players, which will give us flexibility.” This adaptability is expected to be a major asset for the Czech champions.
🌍 An Interesting Career Journey
Santos-Silva is no stranger to top-level European basketball. He previously played nine games in the BCL with Saint-Quentin last season. His career has also taken him to Israel, where he played for Hapoel Altshuler Shaham Be’er Sheva/Dimona. On the international stage, he has represented Cape Verde in the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers, showcasing his skills beyond club competitions.
🏈 From the Gridiron to the Hardwood
In a unique turn, Santos-Silva’s athletic journey includes a brief detour into American football. After his university basketball career at Texas Tech and Virginia Commonwealth, he signed with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in 2022. Although his time in professional football was short, he soon returned to basketball, playing in France’s second-division league before continuing his international career.
🏀 Other League News
In other news related to the BCL, Polish club PGE Start Lublin has also been busy, adding 29-year-old Tevin Mack and re-signing 22-year-old Wiktor Kepka. Meanwhile, Malik Johnson, who previously played for Trepca, has joined the Lithuanian club Juventus as they prepare for the BCL Qualifiers.
