Kajami-Keane takes MVP award with Finals scoring record

ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - Kaza Kajami-Keane ensured that NINERS Chemnitz celebrated a FIBA Europe Cup title - setting a Finals record and earning MVP honors in the process.

The Canadian stood out due to his hero-like effort in the second leg of the Finals and helped the NINERS notch their first-ever international trophy.

"I'm so happy, because I've been dealing with injuries," commented Kajami-Keane. "I thank my last club Le Mans, they stuck with me through injuries, my coach for believing to sign me.

"It's a testament to the hard work I've put in, and all the people who've helped me out - my family, my friends, everybody involved. I'm just happy to have this opportunity to play the game."

He added: "It was a wild game. Coach came with a good execution in the second half. We executed pretty well on the defensive end. We played hard all game, all year. Play hard, play together, that's how we came out on top."

Kajami-Keane led the way with 29 points - the most in the history of FIBA Europe Cup Finals - to go along with 4 assists and 3 steals, having also made 11 of 12 free throw attempts. Not only did the 30-year-old make important plays in overtime, but also heavily influenced an important third quarter push with 14 points in the period.

Bahcesehir College might have won the second leg 105-95, however, Kajami-Keane was among the six NINERS players to score in double digits at a sold-out Messe Chemnitz; contributing 11 points off the bench in a 85-74 victory.

The point guard averaged 20.0 points and 3.5 assists for an overall efficiency rating of 18.5 across the two legs.

FIBA