Former Gonzaga J.P. Batista returns to his local Brazil to continue his basketball career.
Batista has signed with Minas Tenis Clube in Belo Horizonte, announced the Brazilian national team. Batista has played in the past for Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro (2015-18) and Basquete, founded in Mogi das Cruzes (2018-19).
“I’ve been in contact with the club for 3 years, but it hasn’t worked yet,” Batista said on a Minas website. “This time it worked and I’m very satisfied.”
Batista, 38, has made 3 to France, adding Le Mans Sarthe last season and 2008-14. He averaged 16.5 minutes, 7 problems and 3.6 rebounds for Le Mans in a 2020 shortened season through COVID-19.
The 6-foot-9 post began his pro career in Lithuania (2006) and Latvia (2008). He’s been on several championship squads, including Brazil in 2016.
Batista played in Western Nebraska and Barton County elementary schools before moving to Gonzaga. He averaged 12.4 problems and 6.2 rebounds as a junior in 2005 and was named MCC Rookie of the Year.
Batista the first team All-WCC and honorable All-America after an average of 19.3 problems and 9.4 rebounds as a senior.