It’s not an easy choice for Semaj Christon; Cantù has a countermove ready
Semaj Christon has until this afternoon to file a request for a counter-analysis following the results of the doping test. If he decides to proceed, it could take up to six weeks—barring further bureaucratic delays—before a clearer picture of the situation emerges. However, there remains a possibility—albeit a remote one—that the new tests could exonerate the player. The other option would be to forgo the retest, a decision that would significantly shorten the duration of the process.
Regardless of how things unfold, the parting of ways between the point guard—who has previously played in Italy for Pistoia, Cremona, and Udine—and Pallacanestro Cantù now appears to be the most likely scenario. In fact, the Brianza-based club has already begun searching the market for a new point guard. This is a particularly delicate decision, especially considering last season’s precedent, when Chris Chiozza replaced Jacob Gilyard in January without managing to significantly improve the team’s performance. This time, however, the margin for error is even smaller: with zero points in the standings and six consecutive losses, Cantù cannot afford to make the wrong choice for a replacement.
The scandal broke on November 2, just a few hours before the Desio derby against Olimpia Milano, when the club announced that it had received notification of an adverse test result from the drug test conducted after the October 11 game against Napoli. “The club reserves the right to make any assessment and take any action as soon as it has all the necessary information to clarify the incident and remains at the disposal of the relevant sports and anti-doping authorities,” the statement read. Christon, a 33-year-old from Cincinnati, had been officially signed in June after APU Udine’s attempt to retain him, and had been chosen as one of the key players for the new Cantù team, even being named co-captain alongside Riccardo Moraschini.
His start to the season, however, had not gone as hoped. The preseason ended with six losses in as many games and had been preceded in late August by a broken nose sustained during a scrimmage in Tortona, which required surgery at Humanitas Hospital in Rozzano and the use of a protective mask. By the end of October, following the Eagles’ protest, his name had already been placed on the management’s watch list, as they expected more leadership and consistency.
On the transfer front, several names are being mentioned. According to *La Provincia di Como*, Cantù is reportedly considering the return of Erick Green, a key player in last season’s survival effort and currently with Reyer Venezia on a short-term contract that includes an exit clause set to expire on November 19. The competition, however, is fierce: Venice can offer a salary increase and the chance to compete in the EuroCup, and Green himself is reportedly inclined to stay in Venice, despite interest from Turkey.
In addition to the point guard position, management is also looking at the center position. According to *La Nuova*, the club has set its sights on Chris Horton, a 203-centimeter American center born in 1994 who has already made his mark in Italy with Trapani and Reyer Venezia and is currently playing for Aliaga Petkimspor in Turkey. Last season in Sicily, he averaged 9.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and a 16.1 efficiency rating, leading the team to the league championship semifinals. An experienced player who would be a welcome addition during a difficult stretch for Coach Frank Vitucci’s team, which was bolstered in recent days by Osvaldas Olisevicius but remains winless after losing the 175th edition of the derby against Milan.
