The American centre Ethan Happ, standing at 2.08 metres, has signed for two seasons with the aurinegro team after averaging 12.6 points and 6.5 rebounds at Recoletas San Pablo Burgos.
La Laguna Tenerife has announced the signing of centre Ethan Happ for the next two seasons. The American player, who is 2.08 metres tall, arrives from Recoletas San Pablo Burgos, where he was one of the standout big men in the Liga Endesa.
A reliable reinforcement for the interior game
Happ, born in Illinois on May 7, 1996, is well acquainted with the Spanish competition, having played 100 matches. In his last season in Burgos, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.9 steals over 25 games, according to data provided by the Tenerife club.
The new aurinegro player strengthens the interior game of the team coached by Jaka Lakovic, with whom he previously played at Dreamland Gran Canaria. In the Burgos team, Happ had the third-best rebounding average in the Liga Endesa and recorded the best average for steals, with 1.9 per game.
For the fans of La Laguna Tenerife, Happ's arrival represents an injection of experience and strength under the basket. The American centre will bring muscle and rebounding ability to a squad that aims to compete for the top spots in the league.
University and European career
Before his professional career, Happ excelled in the NCAA with the Wisconsin Badgers, where he averaged 15.4 points and 8.4 rebounds. He joined the select group of players capable of reaching 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 400 assists in Division I.
In his final college year, he received the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which recognises the best college centre in the country, and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. He was also included in the Second Team All American.
After his college stint, Happ made the leap to Europe. His journey includes Olympiakos in Greece, Vanoli Cremona, Fortitudo Bologna, and Dinamo Sassari in Italy, as well as MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany. With the German team, he won the bronze medal in the Basketball Champions League during the 2021/2022 season.
Happ is also an international player for North Macedonia, which adds a versatile profile to his career. In his total of 100 matches in the Liga Endesa, he has averaged 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 steals, with an average rating of 15.8 credits per game.
Impact on the team and fans
With his addition, La Laguna Tenerife gains a proven player who has already demonstrated his worth in the Spanish league. The aurinegra fans can expect an intense centre, with good defensive reading and the ability to create second chances in attack.
The Tenerife club continues to shape its roster for the upcoming season, and Happ's arrival is a solid step towards consolidating the interior game. His experience in European competitions and his knowledge of the Liga Endesa make him a valuable asset for Jaka Lakovic's project.
The official presentation of Ethan Happ is expected in the coming days, when the player will be available to the coaching staff to begin pre-season training. Season ticket holders will be able to see him in action at the Pabellón Insular Santiago Martín starting in September.
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