Thompson breaks ties with Valencia after historic brace
Valencia Basket has announced the termination of Darius Thompson's contract, the American point guard who was part of the team that won the Liga Endesa and the Supercopa Endesa in an extraordinary season that also included reaching the Final Four of the Euroleague.
The orange club has reached an agreement with Darius Thompson to mutually resolve the two years remaining on his contract. The 1.93-meter tall point guard, of American nationality with an Italian passport, departs after significantly contributing to one of the most successful seasons in the recent history of the Valencian club.
A historic season for the orange club
Thompson's departure comes after Valencia Basket completed a dream season under the coaching of Pedro Martinez. The team won both the Liga Endesa and the Supercopa Endesa, achieving the club's first domestic double in the senior men's category. Additionally, the orange team reached the EuroLeague Final Four, establishing itself as one of the powerhouses in European basketball.
Thompson was a key piece in this collective success. The American point guard brought experience, quality in play, and professionalism throughout the season, actively participating in the achieved accomplishments. His presence on the court was crucial at pivotal moments in both domestic and European competitions.
Stats and contribution in the EuroLeague
In the continental competition, Thompson played 44 games wearing Valencia Basket colors, accumulating respectable numbers showcasing his tactical importance. He averaged 9 points per game, 1.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1 steal per game. His average performance rating stood at 9.9 points in the EuroLeague evaluation system, demonstrating a balanced contribution on both ends of the court.
During his time in the orange jersey, Thompson made a total of 76 official appearances. His overall stats were an 8.2 points per game average, with a 36.6% three-point shooting accuracy. He complemented these figures with 1.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, maintaining an efficiency rating of 8.9 points.
Background and arrival in Valencia
Thompson joined the ranks of Valencia Basket in the summer of 2025, coming from the Turkish Anadolu Efes. His signing was as an experienced reinforcement to strengthen the team's playmaking and leadership on the court. The American point guard, at 31 years old upon the termination, brought with him a proven track record in high-level European competitions.
His arrival was part of an ambitious project by the orange club, aiming to bolster its roster to compete in both the Liga Endesa and the EuroLeague. The choice of an experienced player like Thompson proved to be successful, directly contributing to the season's achievements.
Farewell and new course
Valencia Basket has publicly expressed gratitude to Thompson for his professionalism, dedication, and hard work demonstrated during his time with the club. The institution wishes him all the best in his professional career and personal life ahead.
The contract termination marks the end of a successful chapter for both parties. While the orange club continues its sports project after a historic season, Thompson will seek new challenges in his professional career as a player. His tenure in Valencia will be remembered for winning domestic titles and reaching advanced stages in the continent's most significant European competition.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Thompson se desvincula de Valencia tras histórico doblete
