Raphael Gay Joins Kufstein Towers for 2026-2027 Season

Gay’s path to the Austrian Basketball Superliga spans multiple levels of North American collegiate basketball. His basketball roots, however, trace back to France, where he developed through the youth system at Pôle Espoir de Vichy in the U15 Élite division before playing for Limoges in the U21 setup between 2018 and 2021.

Stepping Up to the Austrian Basketball Superliga

Gay’s arrival coincides with a major milestone for Kufstein as an organization. After spending five seasons in the second division of Austrian basketball, the Towers earned promotion in 2026, returning the Tyrol region to the topflight of the country’s national game.

Head coach Xavi Mascaro overhauled the squad during the summer transfer window to prepare for the rigors of the Superliga. The club brought in seven new faces to shape a 13-man roster, adding Gay alongside fellow newcomers Alejandro Redondo, Vegas Evans, Duje Putnik, and Jose Placer-Diaz. The club’s revamped group includes players who have joined to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.

Tough Opening Test Against Graz

The transition to top-tier competition proved immediately challenging when the season tipped off on Saturday, September 26. Playing in front of their home supporters in the Tyrol, the Towers dropped their inaugural Superliga fixture to the Eagles Raiffeisen UBSC Graz, falling 87–96.

Kufstein held their ground against experienced opponents for nearly three quarters of the contest before Graz found late separation to secure the victory.