Shane Larkin left Anadolu Efes for Fenerbahce, and Mike James stepped in to succeed him. Two top guards now add a personal dimension to Istanbul’s basketball “civil war”.
The transfer of Shane Larkin to Fenerbahce is not just another major signing. The American-Turkish guard departed after eight years from Anadolu Efes, the team he became synonymous with and led to two consecutive EuroLeague titles in 2021 and 2022.
Larkin left as Efes‘ all-time leader in points and assists in the competition’s history. Now he will play on the other side of Istanbul, under the guidance of Sarunas Jasikevicius and alongside Wade Baldwin.
Efes‘ response was equally strong. Mike James, the all-time leading scorer in the EuroLeague and MVP of the 2023-24 season, signed a 1+1 year contract and is called upon to become the new face of the team. He comes off a season averaging 16.5 points and 6.4 assists, proving he remains one of the most impactful guards in Europe.
The two players face different challenges. Larkin must adapt to a team with a specific playing identity and share decision-making with Baldwin. James, on the other hand, takes the keys to a revamped Efes and the responsibility of filling the void left by a player who became a symbol of the club.
Every matchup between them will now hold special significance. Larkin will face the team with which he made history, while James will play against the man whose throne he was called to take.
Istanbul already had a great basketball “civil war”. Now it also has the perfect personal storyline to make it even more intense.