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Thompson Signs with Olimpia Milano after Winning Liga Endesa

Darius Thompson has closed a multi-year deal with Olimpia Milano. The 31-year-old American point guard joins the Italian club after a successful season in Valencia, where he won the Liga Endesa title and reached the Euroliga Final Four.

Thompson signs with Olimpia Milano after winning Liga Endesa.

Olimpia Milano has made official the signing of Darius Thompson through a multi-year contract. The American player joins the Milan team after completing a successful season at Valencia Basket during the 2025-26 season, where he established himself as a key player in winning the Spanish domestic title and participating in the top continental competition.

A Successful Season in Valencia

Thompson played last season at Valencia Basket, where he significantly contributed to the Spanish team winning the Liga Endesa. His impact was also notable in the EuroLeague, where Valencia reached the Final Four. Throughout his participation in the top European category, the American point guard averaged 9.0 points per game, along with 3.1 assists and 1.0 steals. His three-point shooting accuracy was remarkable, with a 40.2 percent success rate, demonstrating his ability to contribute from the perimeter.

His time at the Levantine club represents a positive turning point in Thompson's European career, having been with several high-level teams before joining Valencia. His accumulated experience in elite competitions makes him a reliable signing for any project that acquires him.

Established International Career

Prior to his time at Valencia, Thompson had extensive experience in top-level European basketball. He has played for Anadolu Efes in Turkey, Baskonia in Spain, Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia, Happy Casa Brindisi in Italy, and ZZ Leiden in the Netherlands. This wide range of experiences has allowed him to adapt to different playing styles and tactical systems.

His most revealing season in the EuroLeague came in 2022-23 while at Baskonia. In that campaign, Thompson averaged 12.6 points per game and led the competition in assists with 6.7 per game, earning him a spot in the All-EuroLeague Second Team. This recognition solidified his reputation as a quality playmaker and floor leader in top European competitions.

Expected Role in the Milan Project

Thompson is expected to take on a leading role at Olimpia Milano as the primary playmaker. The Italian club continues to reshape its squad for the upcoming EuroLeague season, and the arrival of the American point guard fills the need for an experienced and proven offensive organizer in elite competitions. His playmaking skills and scoring efficiency meet the requirements of the Milan project.

Thompson embodies a versatile player profile capable of contributing both in creating opportunities for his teammates and in scoring directly. His previous experience in Italy, where he played for Brindisi, aids in his integration into Italian basketball and the city of Milan.

International Outlook and Adaptation

The American point guard represents Italy on the international stage, emphasizing his connection to the country and commitment to Italian basketball. This bond facilitates his adaptation to the Milanese context, reinforcing the idea that he is a signing meant to contribute to the project in the medium and long term. His family also joins this new phase, as expressed by Thompson in his initial statements.

Thompson shared his enthusiasm for the move: "I am very excited to start this new chapter of my career with Olimpia Milano. My family and I are looking forward to settling in Milan and becoming part of the Olimpia community." These words mirror the player's commitment to the project and his readiness to contribute to the success of the Italian club in the upcoming seasons.

Olimpia Milano continues to shape its roster to face the challenges of the upcoming EuroLeague. With Thompson on board, the club strengthens its position in the transfer market by betting on a player with proven performance in top-level competitions. The arrival of the American point guard is part of a broader strategy of renewal and competitive improvement aimed at keeping the Milanese team among the contenders for titles in the top continental competition.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Thompson firma con Olimpia Milano tras ganar Liga Endesa