Hamburg, Germany, August 13, 2025
News Summary
LJ Thorpe, a former standout player from UNC Asheville, has signed a contract with the Veolia Hamburg Towers, marking a significant step in his professional basketball career. This contract, extending through the 2026-27 season, allows him to compete in the EuroCup, a prominent second-tier basketball competition in Europe. Thorpe has previously played for Juventus in Lithuania, where he averaged impressive stats. His experience and skills aim to strengthen the Hamburg Towers as they compete at the highest European level.
Hamburg, Germany – LJ Thorpe, a former men’s basketball standout from UNC Asheville, has officially signed a contract with the Veolia Hamburg Towers, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. This contract, which extends through the 2026-27 season, positions Thorpe to compete in the prestigious EuroCup, the second-tier professional basketball competition in Europe, managed by Euroleague Basketball.
The EuroCup features a variety of teams from different European national leagues, providing players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international scale. Notably, the two finalists of each EuroCup season often secure spots in the following year’s EuroLeague, making each game critical for clubs aspiring for promotion.
The regular season of the EuroCup for the 2025-26 campaign is set to commence on September 30, 2025, and will conclude on February 11, 2026. Thorpe’s new team, the Hamburg Towers, is among the 20 clubs confirmed by the ECA Assembly, joining teams such as Lietkabelis, Aris, Bahcesehir, Manresa, Besiktas, and Buducnost in this elite competition.
Before joining Hamburg, Thorpe played for Juventus in Lithuania, where he made a noticeable impact with averages of 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals across 34 Lithuanian League games. His performance during the previous 2024-25 season in the Basketball Champions League saw him elevate his game further, as he averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in two outings.
Thorpe made his professional debut in 2022 with Finnish team Pyrinto, where he showcased his skills by averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals over the course of 34 games. His journey continued in the 2023-24 season while playing for Siauliai in Lithuania, where he recorded averages of 13.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 31 games.
During his time at UNC Asheville, Thorpe made a remarkable impression across a total of 100 games, scoring 1,254 points, securing 458 rebounds, providing 292 assists, and making 103 steals. His scoring ranks him 20th on the all-time list for UNC Asheville and 12th among players in the Division I era. In addition to his statistical achievements, Thorpe received recognition as a three-time All-Big South Honorable Mention selection.
In his final season in 2021-22 at UNC Asheville, Thorpe stood out among Big South players, ranking in the top 10 in multiple statistical areas, including 4th in field goal percentage (.495), 5th in assists (119), 7th in free throw shooting percentage (.739), and 8th in points scored (450).
As the EuroCup approaches, LJ Thorpe is poised to bring his rich experience and skill set to the Hamburg Towers, contributing significantly to their mission of competing at the highest level in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EuroCup?
The EuroCup is a second-tier professional basketball club competition in Europe, organized by Euroleague Basketball. It features teams from various European national leagues.
When does the EuroCup Regular Season begin?
The EuroCup Regular Season for the 2025-26 season will start on September 30, 2025, and conclude on February 11, 2026.
What are LJ Thorpe’s career statistics at UNC Asheville?
During his time at UNC Asheville, Thorpe played 100 games, scoring 1,254 points, grabbing 458 rebounds, providing 292 assists, and recording 103 steals.
What awards did LJ Thorpe receive during his collegiate career?
LJ Thorpe was recognized as a three-time All-Big South Honorable Mention selection during his time at UNC Asheville.
Key Features of LJ Thorpe’s Career and EuroCup
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Veolia Hamburg Towers |
| Contract Duration | Through 2026-27 Season |
| Previous Team | Juventus in Lithuania |
| Average Points (Last Season) | 18.5 Points in Basketball Champions League |
| EuroCup Regular Season Dates | September 30, 2025 – February 11, 2026 |
| UNC Asheville Career Points | 1,254 Points |
| All-Big South Honors | Three-Time Honorable Mention |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville Bulldogs
- Olympics.com
- Basketball Sphere
- The Jerusalem Post
- SportBusiness
- Google Search: EuroCup Basketball 2025
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