Derthona signs former Cremona player Aljami Durham for a new shot and leadership role.
Derthona Basket has signed its third new player for the 2026/27 season. The black and white club has signed Aljami Durham , making his second appearance in Italy after making his debut last season at Vanoli Cremona.
A 193 cm American point guard, who will turn 28 next September, “Al” was born and raised in Lilburn, Georgia, before his college years with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he was also captain for the last of his four years, before finishing his college experience in Providence.
His professional career began in the 2022/23 season, starting with the Greek team Lavrio and ending with the Caledonia Gladiators, a Scottish team he led to the British BBL Trophy, averaging over 17 points. The following year, he moved to Germany to join Hamburg Towers, where he made his EuroCup debut, averaging 10.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 5.2 fouls drawn on 44.1% three-point shooting.
Having moved to Spain to play for Básquet Girona, where he helped the team stay in the ACB (Italian Central Bank) league, last season he was among the key players in Cremona's surprising campaign, which came within a whisker of qualifying for the playoffs. Durham was Vanoli's leading scorer with 14.4 points and 3.0 assists in 25.5 minutes on average over 26 games, shooting 55.6% from two, 37.1% from three, and 83.8% from the free throw line (10th best in the regular season) while drawing 4.3 fouls (6th best). His best performance in Serie A, statistically speaking, was the 88-81 home win over Napoli on March 29: 34 points, 9/9 from two, 4/5 from three, and 4/5 from free throw lines for a 42 rating.
Declarations
Aljami Durham: "I accepted Derthona's offer because it was a great opportunity for me to take another step forward in my career, play for another great club and under a coach I've only heard positive things about. It's also the chance to play on a prestigious stage like the one this team offers ," the new Lions player began.
"Coach Fioretti and I discussed how I can use my best qualities to help the team, how I can make a significant contribution on both offense and defense, and how I will give my all to lead the team on both fronts."
Last year, as an opponent, he got to know what would soon become his environment: "I had only seen positive aspects in the way the fans and players had integrated with each other; the way the fans supported the team was extraordinary. As a team, the determination with which they played and their team spirit made a great impression on me."
Coach Mario Fioretti : "The decision to focus on Durham stems from his versatility, his good balance between scoring ability and the ability to create for his teammates. He also has the physical structure and mental attitude that allows him to be effective on defense." The Derthona coach discusses the coexistence of Durham and the reconfirmed Prentiss Hubb : "It will be the first time in my career that I've found myself coaching two left-handed playmakers. Both are capable of bringing a good mix of technique, athleticism, and reading the game. I'm confident that together they have the right leadership qualities to lead our team."
