ESP/AUS – Barca buy Australia’s Ingles from CB Granada

BARCELONA (ACB/Euroleague) - Joe Ingles torched Regal Barcelona for 25 points in the second week of the season while playing for CB Granada.

The long, athletic Australia international made a very good impression because Barca, who won that game 85-78, have signed the 23-year-old on a three-year contract.

The defending champions of Europe have made the move with veteran Italian Gianluca Basile hurt and out of action for three months.

In a statement on the Barcelona website, Ingles said he was joining "the best club in the world."

"There was nothing to think about," he said, when asked how long it took to decide if he would join Barcelona.

"It's a dream come true."

Just two seasons ago, Ingles' fellow Australia David Andersen wore the Azulgrana shirt before leaving for the NBA's Houston Rockets.

Andersen moved to the Toronto Raptors this summer after playing alongside Ingles at the FIBA World Championship.

"I know David Andersen of the national team and he spoke very well to me about the club.

"I'm dying to go out on the court and show what a good player I am."

CB Granada spoke about the decision to sell Ingles but didn’t reveal the amount of money the club had made in the deal.

“Joe has proved his value here and this is a great opportunity for him,” said CB Granada president Ramiro P. De la Blanca.

“We’ve thought long and hard about this transfer but we are completely certain that his exit is positive for both sides.

“This signing proves once more the great work done by the club, with club having signed young players in recent years with great quality and projection – just as this latest move has proved.”

The arrival of Aussie Ingles means that Barcelona have two of the most exciting youngsters in international basketball.

Spain point guard Ricky Rubio is only 20 years old and is in his second season at the club.

FIBA