McLaughlin New Signing for KK Split
Trenton McLaughlin (23) is the first American addition for the Yellows in the new season. Coach Rančić and the young basketball player from Arizona expressed mutual satisfaction with the signing.
Trenton McLaughlin (23) is the first American addition for the Yellows in the new season. Coach Rančić and the young basketball player from Arizona expressed mutual satisfaction with the signing.
Basketball club Split announced on August 7, 2026, the signing of American shooter Trenton McLaughlin, who arrives at Gripe from the Lithuanian club Nevežis. The 23-year-old player, standing 198 centimeters tall, is the first foreign reinforcement for the Split Yellows for the upcoming season.
McLaughlin, originally from Chandler, Arizona, will enter his second professional season in Europe. He spent his first with Nevežis, where he averaged 13 points, just over 2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in the Lithuanian league. His strongest attribute is his three-point shooting, described as elite, and he is capable of scoring from various situations on the court.
It is precisely this versatility that was key for coach Damir Rančić. McLaughlin can cover positions one through three, making him an ideal solution for the team. "I'm glad we managed to sign him; he's a versatile player who covers multiple positions. He's an excellent shooter, can create out of the pick-and-roll, fits our physical profile, and I believe he will be of great significance to this team. We received the best recommendations about him both as a person and as a player," said Split's coach Damir Rančić.
Interestingly, the interest was mutual from day one. According to reports, Coach Rančić "fell in love" with the player at first sight, and McLaughlin immediately liked Split as an option. Negotiations lasted about ten days, and the player himself called the coach to express his desire to finalize the deal as soon as possible. In Split, he will wear the number 24 jersey, the same one he wore at Nevežis and at Northern Arizona University.
The new Split player did not hide his enthusiasm for joining a club with a rich history. "I'm really excited to join KK Split and can't wait to get started with training and games. I believe we have a chance to achieve something special this season, and I'll give everything I can to help the team win," said McLaughlin.
He also commented on his new coach and the club's tradition from Gripe: "I know this is Coach Rančić's first year as head coach, so I look forward to proving something together, through wins and building a strong team spirit. I know what great basketball tradition Split has, with former legends like Toni Kukoč who played at Gripe before going to the Bulls, so I'm truly excited to become part of a historic club."
