Maltese basketball recently welcomed back one of its talented players as Samuel Deguara signed for BUPA Luxol after six years in Italy. The giant centre tells Valhmor Camilleri he does not expect his stint in the Maltese league to last long as he is eyeing another move overseas, possibly from next season.

Sam Deguara (centre) in action for BUPA Luxol in a league match.

Samuel Deguara had been plying his trade in Italy since 2007 following a dream move to Benet-ton Treviso at the age of 16.

His prospects looked bright as he was closely monitored by a professional coaching team which included renowned trainer Renato Pasquali. They wanted to make sure Deguara received all the attention he required to reach his maximum potential.

However, things took a turn for the worse in the summer of 2012 when Benetton were dissolved due to financial problems.

Deguara joined Reggio Emilia, another high-profile club in Italy, but a series of injuries ended his hopes of a permanent contract, leaving him with no option but to return home and try to regain some lost confidence.

“The last two years have been very difficult for me,” the 228cm-tall rebounder said.

“When Benetton Treviso folded, I went for a trial with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia and I also played for Reggio Emilia in a summer league.

“Reggio were interested and offered me the chance to train with them until December and then get me on board for the second part of the season.

“I accepted and after six months of hard training, I played my first minutes in the Serie A1, coming on against Emporio Armani Milano. That was in January 2013. However, that was as good as it got as three weeks later I fractured an ankle and missed the rest of the season.

“I spent the whole off-season in rehab and when I returned to training, my ankle got swollen again and they made me stop for the next four weeks.

“Unfortunately, Reggio were also hit with money issues and decided to let me go.

“I spent the next three months at Brescia where I felt really well. They tried to help me get an Italian passport due to registration problems but all efforts proved futile.”

Deguara reckoned that he needed to start playing regularly and the Maltese league was the best option for him at that particular moment.

“Depiro were the first club to make an approach. Then, I had offers from Athleta, Floriana and Luxol,” Deguara said.

“After evaluating all options, I decided to join Luxol and I don’t regret it. It’s only been a few weeks now but they made me feel at home straightaway.”

Deguara, now 22, has already left his mark at his new club.

After potting 22 points on his debut in a 72-69 defeat to Remax Siġġiewi last month, Deguara inspired his new team to a fine 92-63 victory over title challengers Athleta Pembroke, contributing with 29 points.

“Luxol are doing well in this phase of the season. They’re approaching the championship one match at a time and see what comes up,” Deguara said.

“We have three other matches coming up before the end of the regular season and the coach says all three are finals. The team wants to make the play-offs and then take it from there. The others are also well-equipped but I want to help Luxol make it to the top three.”

Deguara has made it clear, however, that his stay here is only temporary as his sights are already set on relaunching his career outside the country.

“I’ve always dreamt of playing basketball at a professional level,” Deguara said.

“Some of the player agents I’m in contact with are already doing their research to get me a contract elsewhere but at the moment my sole aim is to rack up playing time to show interested clubs that I’m back to my best.

“Really, I have no preference where to play next as long as it’s a serious and professional club.

“I want to be in a team where I get an opportunity to play regularly and continue to develop myself as a professional.”

In the meantime, Deguara is focusing mostly on staying in shape.

“My time in Italy helped me develop, becoming the player I am. However, there’s more hard work to do as I know I’m far from being a finished product,” Deguara admitted.

“There’s more room for progress and to this end I’m always trying to improve my qualities.

“When I’m not practising with my new team-mates I train on my own.

“I have established a very good rapport with Luxol coach John Tabone. I don’t think there’s anyone as experienced as him in the Maltese league... we speak a lot, particularly about my game, and he shows me what I can do better.

“I’m a very ambitious and determined person when it comes to my basketball. There have been some good times and difficult ones, mainly in the last couple of years... but that’s all in the past now.

“I want to stay healthy and injury-free to show that I deserve another chance to continue my career abroad.”