REGGIO EMILIA — Jaylen Barford will remain with Pallacanestro Reggiana next season. The American guard has renewed with the red-and-white club and will wear the Una Hotels jersey for the third consecutive year.

Coming off another standout season, Barford appeared in every game played by coach Priftis’ team, averaging 14.7 points in 26.2 minutes per game in Serie A. In the FIBA Europe Cup, he averaged 13.4 points, further establishing himself as one of the team’s key offensive players.

“I’m happy and motivated to be returning to Reggio Emilia,” Barford said. “I have had time to think about the next step in my career, but I decided to stay in a place that means so much to me and my family. Next season’s Serie A will be highly competitive, as will the Basketball Champions League. I can’t wait to get started and see the PalaBigi packed with red-and-white fans again.”

General manager Marco Sambugaro was equally pleased: “Barford’s return is an important statement ahead of the new season. He joins a core group of players who already know coach Priftis’ system. The negotiations weren’t easy, but we’re happy to have a player with his talent and character back with us—someone who can be a leader even in the most difficult moments.”