TJ Shorts transfer to Valencia Basket

American guard TJ Shorts arrived in Valencia to begin preparations with Valencia Basket following his departure from Panathinaikos. He expressed enthusiasm for a “new chapter” and a “new challenge” under new coaching staff led by Xavi Albert.

Shorts subsequently signed a two-year contract with the Spanish club, which will keep him with the team until June 30, 2028. During his official presentation at the Roig Arena, he expressed a desire to take on a leadership role and contribute to the team’s EuroLeague project. He noted that the intense atmosphere he experienced while playing against Valencia in the EuroLeague playoffs last season influenced his decision to join the club.

Shorts chose the jersey number 0 as a symbolic reminder of his journey from having no professional offers after high school to reaching the top of European basketball. To prepare for the season, he emphasized the importance of internal communication and noted that he has already been in contact with teammates throughout the summer to build chemistry. He also expressed confidence in head coach Xavi Albert, stating that the coach’s “clear basketball concepts” helped him integrate quickly into the team.