EuroLeague-like reinforcement: Zach Auguste is coming!

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana is stronger for the EuroLeague reinforcement. Zach Auguste, a player that has finished his college career at Notre Dame University, is moving from Panathinaikos to Slovenian Capital.

Zach Auguste, 208 cm tall player, who owns passports of USA, Haiti and Greece, is the new player of Cedevita Olimpija. The 28-year old player will fill the gap, that has occurred under both rims with the departure of Mangok Mathiang. In the previous season, he has been playing for Panathinaikos of Athens.

Zach Auguste spent his college career at Notre Dame University, where he has been averaging 14 points, 10.7 rebounds 1.1 blocks and 1.1 assists per game in 36 appearances in his last season, 2015/16. After the end of the college career he did not manage to get selected at the NBA Draft, but he played for the LA Lakers in the Summer League. He signed a contract with the Lakers on 29 August 2016, but the deal has been terminated in October that year.

He then moved to Turkey to play for Usak Sportif and has been averaging 11.7 points, 7.5 rebound and 0.7 steals in the Turkish National Championship, while he has been averaging 13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.6 blocks and 0.5 steals per game in the Basketball Champions League the same season. After the season in Turkey he moved to Panathinaikos for the first time in the 2017/18 season, but then returned to Galatasaray, where he remained for the seasons. Before the 2020/21 season he moved back to Panathinaikos.

In the previously finished season, Zach Auguste has been writing down 4.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 steals per game in 21 games in the EuroLeague for Panathinaikos. With the Greek club Auguste, which we have been watching in the Boston Celtics jersey this summer in the NBA Summer League, has won two Greek National Championship trophies, alongside one Greek National Cup trophy.

Zach Elias Auguste
Birth date and birth place: 8 July 1993; Cambridge (USA)
Height: 208 cm
Position: center
Career: Usak Sportif (Turkey; 2016-17), Panathinaikos (Greece; 2017-18), Galatasaray (Turkey; 2018-20), Panathinaikos (Greece; 2020-21).

Sani Bečirović, Cedevita Olimpija Sports Director:
»Ever since we have parted ways on mutual consent with Mangok Mathiang, we have been looking for his replacement in the market. We found it in Zach Auguste, center, that has experience with playing on the highest European level. I believe that we have managed to find the right solution, a player, that will be able to fit into our system. By adding Auguste, we have finished composing the team ahead of the new season.« 

Jurica Golemac, Cedevita Olimpija Head Coach:
»We agreed to sign with Zach after seeing that Mangok Mathiang will unfortunately not be part of our team this season. We have been following Zach for quite some time, we also know him from the Euroleague, where he played for Panathinaikos. He’s a quick center that can play above the hoop, and that’s something we need to be able to play fast and diverse basketball. We can’t wait for him to join us and get to know the rest of the guys as soon as possible.« 

Zach Auguste, Cedevita Olimpija player:
» I just like to thank Cedevita Olimpija. It’s a great appreciation to be a part of this club. I’m looking forward to get there, and get straight to work. I’m very hungry. This team has a great chance to make a great run in 7DAYS EuroCup, and in each league. I’ll get another chance to get back to EuroCup. I’ll be there soon. I’m excited. Let’s go get it done.« 

Foto: Panathinaikos.