The Slovenian big man brings Xavier’s European contingent to three and adds another option to the frontcourt.
With less than two months left before the season tips off, Xavier has added yet another piece to their roster in 6’9” Slovenian big Sasa Ciani. This past season he was a strong contributor for Cedevita Junior of the Croatian league, averaging 11.1/6.9/1.3 in 22 minutes per game and shooting 65.9% from the field. Ciani also featured for the Slovenian U-20 team at the Under 20 European Championship this summer, where he led the team in rebounding with 8.6 and was second in scoring with 12.3. Ciani did not attempt a three for Cedevita Junior this past season and he only shot 45.5% from the line, but he scored incredible efficiently in the post and was able to assert himself on the glass, grabbing 21% of his team’s total rebounds, against largely older, more experienced competition.
What this means for Xavier’s front court is still a bit up in the air. We wait to hear word on Jerome Hunter’s status moving forward, but we know that any involvement Zach Freemantle has playing this season will be limited to after the turn of the year. Currently, Longan Duncomb and Kachi Nzeh are the only players listed on Xavier’s roster as a Centers, although Abou Ousmane and Lazar Djokovic both come in at 6’10” and figure to be a part of the mix for X as well. Ciani will add another look for Xavier and, like Gytis Nemeiksa, brings a decent amount of experience from his time in Europe.