Dubai Basketball have completed their roster with the signing of former NBA player Davis Bertans as the team prepare for their inaugural season in Europe's ABA League.
Latvia's Bertans entered the NBA in the 2011 draft when he was signed by the Indiana Pacers but was immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs and returned to Europe. His NBA career also took him to the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder, and he last played for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2023/24 season.
The 31-year-old forward's arrival completes the line-up for Dubai, who will become the first UAE team to compete in a major European league when the new season begins next week. The ABA League is a top-tier professional basketball competition that features teams from the former Yugoslavia. The 2024/25 season has been expanded to 16 teams and comprises clubs from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
Dubai open their campaign at Coca-Cola Arena on September 22 against reigning champions Red Star of Belgrade, who won both the regular league and finals last season.
The signing of Bertans adds further to Dubai's multi-national squad, which features 12 players from nine countries; three Serbians, two Americans, and one each from Latvia, Italy, Turkey, the Philippines, Croatia, Jordan, and Slovenia – the nation of captain Klemen Prepelic.
“It’s a great feeling to join Dubai Basketball in their first-ever season," Bertans said. "The roster that has been put together is very competitive and it’s a club that has great ambitions for the future. It’s a new challenge for me but one that I’m really excited about and can’t wait to play in front of our fans later this month.”
In addition to his NBA experience, Bertans brings with him plenty of success from his time in European basketball. The forward won three Serbian league titles, one Serbian Cup, three Slovenian Cups, and the 2013 ABA League before starting his NBA career in 2016 with the Spurs.
“Davis Bertans clearly brings exceptional basketball talent to the table as an eight-season NBA player with substantial European experience," Dubai head coach Jurica Golemac said. "His arrival underscores the commitment and ambition of our project while also greatly enhancing the credibility of our newly established franchise.”
On the team's preparations for the season, Golemac added: “We have had a very positive pre-season campaign to date, and even though the squad has only been together a short time I have been impressed with how quickly they have gelled and become a team with real talent and potential.
“We now cannot wait to run out in front of our home fans at Coca-Cola Arena on September 22. Facing the reigning champions is an incredible start for us - but with the support of a packed Arena we will put in a performance everyone can be proud of.”
Tickets to watch Dubai's season-opener are available from the Coca-Cola Arena website with prices starting from Dh75. Season passes can also be purchased, starting at Dh1,750 which includes reserved seating for all 15 regular season home games.
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If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
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The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
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Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
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Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
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You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
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National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
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