Fatts Russell
Daron "Fatts" Russell (born May 6, 1998) is an American-born naturalized Romanian professional basketball player who plays as a point guard for U-BT Cluj-Napoca of the Romanian Liga Națională and the EuroCup.[1][2] Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall, Russell is known for his dynamic scoring, playmaking, and defensive tenacity, having established himself as a prolific guard in both college and professional leagues.[3] In October 2025, he completed the process to obtain Romanian citizenship, making him eligible to represent the Romanian senior national team in FIBA competitions.[2] Russell grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended Imhotep Charter High School and became the program's all-time leader in points (1,813), assists, and steals.[4] After graduating in 2017, he committed to the University of Rhode Island, where he played from 2017 to 2021, appearing in 119 games and starting 83.[3] In 2020–21, his senior season at Rhode Island, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game across 23 games and 22 starts. He previously set a Rhode Island record for points in a road game with 41 against Saint Joseph's in 2019.[4] Following his transfer to the University of Maryland for the 2021–22 season via the NCAA transfer portal, Russell played in 32 games, averaging 15.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, while becoming the only active Division I player to surpass 2,000 career points, 500 assists, and 250 steals.[5][3] Russell launched his professional career undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, signing with KK Mornar Bar of the ABA League and Montenegrin First League in July 2022, where he set the ABA League single-game scoring record with 47 points.[6] He later joined Galatasaray Nef in the Turkish Basketball Super League in January 2023, followed by stints with Manisa Büyükşehir Belediye (2023–24) and Pınar Karşıyaka (2024), both in Turkey, and New Taipei CTBC DEA in Taiwan (2025), where he averaged double-digit points in each season.[1] In July 2025, he signed a one-year deal with U-BT Cluj-Napoca, contributing 20.8 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in the early 2025–26 international season.[7]Early life and high school career
Early life
Daron Russell, professionally known as Fatts Russell, was born on May 6, 1998, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[8] He is the son of Terri Sutton and stepson of Tahar Sutton, and grew up in a close-knit family that included two brothers, DeWayne and Dejuan, as well as one sister, Taahira.[5] Russell's nickname "Fatts" originated from his mother, who gave it to him because he was a chubby baby; he has been called by this name throughout his life and later added an extra "t" to it after slimming down in his youth.[5][9] Raised in a challenging neighborhood in Philadelphia's Hunter Park area, Russell was immersed in the city's gritty street basketball culture from a young age, which instilled in him the toughness and confidence necessary to navigate his environment.[9] His early exposure to the sport came through his family, particularly his older brother DeWayne Russell, who played college basketball at Grand Canyon University and pursued a professional career overseas, inspiring Fatts to follow a similar path.[5][10] During his childhood, Russell began honing his basketball skills in local Philadelphia playgrounds and competitive youth settings, drawing motivation from family members who lacked similar opportunities for success.[9]High school career
Russell attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 2013 to 2017, where he played basketball under coach Andre Noble.[4] Over his four-year career, he became the school's all-time leader in points with 1,813, assists, and steals, establishing himself as a dynamic point guard known for his speed and playmaking ability.[4] In his senior year during the 2016–17 season, Russell led the Imhotep Charter Panthers to a 31–2 overall record, capturing the Philadelphia Public League title and the PIAA Class 4A state championship with an 80–52 victory over Strong Vincent in the final.[11] He earned Public League Player of the Year and Pennsylvania Class 4A Player of the Year honors for his contributions, including key performances in postseason tournaments that highlighted his scoring and defensive prowess.[4] Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports, Russell received scholarship offers from programs including Seton Hall, SMU, and Western Kentucky before committing to the University of Rhode Island in September 2016.[12]College career
Rhode Island (2017–2021)
Fatts Russell joined the University of Rhode Island as a freshman guard in 2017, beginning a four-year tenure where he evolved from a bench contributor to a key leader for the Rams in the Atlantic 10 Conference.[4] During his time at Rhode Island, Russell demonstrated versatility as a point guard, excelling in scoring, playmaking, and defense while helping the team achieve consistent postseason appearances.[3] In his freshman season (2017–18), Russell appeared in 34 games off the bench, averaging 7.0 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 0.8 steals per game as he adjusted to the college level's physicality and pace.[3] His role focused on providing energy and perimeter defense, contributing to Rhode Island's 22–11 overall record and NCAA Tournament berth.[4] As a sophomore in 2018–19, Russell emerged as a starter in 32 games, boosting his production to 14.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, showcasing improved ball-handling and scoring efficiency.[3] One standout performance came on February 2, 2019, when he set a Rhode Island record by scoring 41 points in an 86–85 overtime road win against Saint Joseph's, highlighting his ability to take over games.[4] Russell's junior year (2019–20) marked his breakout, starting 29 of 30 games and leading the team with 18.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game, ranking second nationally and earning Atlantic 10 First Team All-Conference and All-Defensive Team honors.[3][4] He delivered high-scoring outputs against strong opponents, including 32 points at then-ranked No. 19 West Virginia on December 1, 2019, in an 86–81 loss, and 30 points versus VCU on January 31, 2020, in an 87–75 victory that extended Rhode Island's winning streak to eight games.[13][14] Additionally, he set a program record with 8 steals against Saint Louis on March 1, 2020.[4] During his senior season (2020–21), injuries limited Russell to 23 games, where he averaged 14.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while assuming a leadership role amid the team's challenges. On February 16, 2021, against Dayton, he became Rhode Island's all-time leader in steals.[3] Nagging issues with his hamstring, heel, core, and a late-season wrist injury hampered his availability, but he still notched key contributions, such as 20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals against Saint Joseph's on January 3, 2021.[15][4] Over his Rhode Island career spanning 119 games, Russell totaled 1,594 points, 350 rebounds, 411 assists, and 213 steals, averaging 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, cementing his place in the program's record books for steals and assists.[3] Following the 2020–21 season, Russell utilized his fifth-year eligibility to transfer to Maryland.[5]Maryland (2021–2022)
In April 2021, Fatts Russell transferred from the University of Rhode Island to the University of Maryland, utilizing the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16][17] As a graduate student, Russell served as the starting point guard for Maryland during the 2021–22 season, appearing in all 32 games while averaging 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game.[18][19] His contributions were pivotal in bolstering the Terrapins' backcourt, including a career milestone on February 27, 2022, when he scored 27 points against No. 22 Ohio State, surpassing 2,000 career college points with a three-pointer early in the game.[20] Russell delivered several standout performances, such as a 21-point outing on November 29, 2021, against San Francisco where he went 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. He also recorded multiple high-assist games, including six assists alongside 20 points against Iowa on February 10, 2022.[18][5] Amid a season marked by a mid-year coaching change from Mark Turgeon to Danny Manning, Russell helped Maryland achieve a 7–13 record in Big Ten play, tying for 10th in the conference standings, though the team did not advance to the NCAA Tournament.[21]Professional career
Mornar (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft following his lone season at Maryland, Fatts Russell signed with KK Mornar Bar of the ABA League and Montenegrin League on July 7, 2022.[22][23] Russell quickly established himself as the starting point guard for Mornar, serving as the team's primary offensive engine in both the ABA League and the Prva crnogorska liga. In 15 ABA League games during the 2022–23 season, he averaged 26.8 points, 7.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while playing 35.1 minutes per contest, leading the league in scoring at 26.8 points per game across 15 appearances.[24][25] His efficiency rating averaged 24.3, highlighting his impact as a high-volume scorer and playmaker despite a 39.9% field goal percentage and 34.7% from three-point range.[24] In the Montenegrin League, Russell contributed as a key guard, exemplified by a 15-point performance in a October 2022 matchup against Studentski centar, though specific season averages for that competition remain less documented.[26] Key highlights included his professional debut in the ABA League, where he erupted for 41 points on nine three-pointers, and a career-high 47 points against Zadar on October 9, 2022, setting a new league single-game scoring record, earning MVP honors for the round with 41.9 efficiency.[27][28] Russell led Mornar in scoring throughout their ABA campaign, helping the team to an 8–18 regular-season record and a 12th-place finish, missing the playoffs, while contributing to a third-place finish in the Montenegrin Cup.[29]| Statistic | ABA League (15 GP) |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 26.8 |
| Assists per game | 7.3 |
| Rebounds per game | 3.7 |
| Steals per game | 1.5 |
| Minutes per game | 35.1 |
| Field goal % | 39.9% |
| Three-point % | 34.7% |
| Free throw % | 84.8% |
Galatasaray Nef (2023)
In January 2023, Fatts Russell signed a contract with Galatasaray Nef of the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi for the remainder of the 2022–23 season, transitioning from his previous stint in Montenegro.[25] His experience as a starting point guard in the ABA League with Mornar facilitated a swift adaptation to the higher competitive level in Turkey.[25] Russell quickly integrated into the team's rotation as a primary ball-handler and secondary scorer, contributing significantly in both domestic and European play. In 17 Basketbol Süper Ligi regular-season appearances, he averaged 13.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while playing 28.9 minutes.[30] His standout performances included a season-high 29 points against AYOS Konyaspor on May 6, 2023, and 26 points versus Frutti Extra Bursaspor on March 25, 2023.[31] In the Basketball Champions League, where Galatasaray competed in the knockout stages after his arrival, Russell appeared in eight games, averaging 17.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest, providing crucial scoring punch in high-stakes matches such as against Limoges CSP.[32] Russell's tenure concluded at the end of the 2022–23 season due to the expiration of his short-term contract, after which he pursued opportunities elsewhere in the Turkish league.[33]Manisa BB (2023–2024)
In June 2023, following a mid-season stint with Galatasaray Nef that provided initial exposure to Turkish basketball, Fatts Russell signed a one-year contract with Manisa Büyükşehir Belediyespor (Manisa BB) of the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL).[33][1] Russell quickly became a cornerstone of Manisa BB's offense during the 2023–24 season, delivering consistent scoring and playmaking that bolstered the team's competitiveness. Averaging 17.3 points and 5.8 assists per game across 27 appearances, he ranked among the league's more productive guards, with his ability to penetrate defenses and distribute the ball contributing to several high-output performances, including multiple 20-plus point games.[34] His efforts helped Manisa BB achieve a mid-table finish, securing sixth place in the regular season standings with a 16–14 record and a playoff berth.[35] Key season statistics for Russell with Manisa BB:| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 27 |
| Minutes per Game | 32.2 |
| Points per Game | 17.3 |
| Rebounds per Game | 3.1 |
| Assists per Game | 5.8 |
| Steals per Game | 1.8 |
| Field Goal % (2PT) | 45.3% |
| 3-Point % | 30.1% |
| Free Throw % | 78.3% |
Karşıyaka (2024–2025)
In June 2024, following his stint with Manisa BB in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi, Fatts Russell signed a one-year contract with Pınar Karşıyaka, marking his third professional engagement in the Turkish top flight.[36] As the team's starting point guard, Russell quickly established himself as a primary scoring and playmaking option, leveraging his quickness and perimeter shooting to drive the offense in both domestic and European competitions. During the 2024–25 Basketbol Süper Ligi season, Russell appeared in 14 games for Pınar Karşıyaka, averaging 16.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while playing 25.9 minutes on the floor.[37] In the Basketball Champions League, he contributed across eight regular-season games with averages of 17.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest, helping the team secure a 4–2 record in their group and advance to the playoffs.[32][38] His dual-threat presence was instrumental in Pınar Karşıyaka's competitive push in the BCL, where the team emphasized fast-paced play and perimeter efficiency, though they ultimately exited in the playoff round.[32] One of Russell's standout performances came on January 5, 2025, when he erupted for a career-high 40 points and 8 assists against EuroLeague powerhouse Fenerbahçe Beko in a Turkish League matchup, shooting efficiently despite the 104–96 defeat.[39] This outburst highlighted his scoring explosiveness and ability to facilitate under pressure, though Pınar Karşıyaka struggled overall in the domestic standings, finishing with an 11–19 record and missing the playoffs.[40] Russell parted ways with the club in late January 2025 amid reported financial challenges for the team.[41]New Taipei CTBC DEA (2025)
On February 25, 2025, following his departure from Pınar Karşıyaka in the Turkish Basketball Super League, Fatts Russell signed with New Taipei CTBC DEA of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.[32] This move provided Russell a new opportunity in Asian professional basketball, where he quickly integrated into the team's rotation as a primary ball-handler and scorer. During his stint with New Taipei, Russell averaged 25.7 points and 5.6 assists per game through the end of the regular season and playoffs, finishing as the league's runner-up in scoring.[32] He led the team in scoring and assists, contributing significantly to their playoff push with efficient playmaking and perimeter shooting that suited the TPBL's fast-paced, high-volume style. Russell adapted effectively to the Asian league's emphasis on quick transitions and team-oriented offense, often exploiting mismatches with his speed and vision despite the physicality differences from European competition.[42] Notable performances included a 37-point outing in one regular-season game and a 31-point debut with 8 assists, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments.[43] These efforts helped New Taipei remain competitive, though they fell short in the postseason. Russell's scoring prowess and leadership in key metrics underscored his impact during this brief but productive chapter in Taiwan.[32]U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2025–present)
On July 25, 2025, Fatts Russell signed a one-year contract with U-BT Cluj-Napoca to play in the Romanian Liga Națională, the ABA League, and the EuroCup during the 2025–26 season.[32][6][39] Through the early part of the season up to November 2025, Russell has averaged 20.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game across all competitions, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability.[1] A standout performance came on October 15, 2025, in a EuroCup matchup against Śląsk Wrocław, where he recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists, nearly achieving a triple-double despite the team's loss.[44][45] Russell's contributions have been pivotal to U-BT Cluj-Napoca's success, including leading the team to key EuroCup victories such as a 37-point outburst in an October 8 win over Neptūnas Klaipėda and a 21-point first-half explosion in a road triumph against Veolia Towers Hamburg on October 28.[46][47] In the domestic Liga Națională and ABA League, his scoring leadership—topping the EuroCup averages at over 24 points per game in league play—has helped maintain the team's competitive edge in multiple fronts.[48][49]National team career
Romania (2025–present)
In 2025, Daron "Fatts" Russell acquired Romanian citizenship through naturalization, enabling him to represent the Romanian men's national basketball team in international competitions.[2] This move followed his signing with Romanian club U-BT Cluj-Napoca earlier in the year, positioning him for FIBA eligibility.[39] The naturalization process was officially announced and completed in October 2025, confirming Russell's status as a naturalized player for Romania's senior national team.[2][50] Initial reports in July 2025 had indicated that Russell would receive a Romanian passport, marking the start of the paperwork.[51] As of November 2025, Russell has yet to make his debut for the national team or participate in reported training camps, though his eligibility opens opportunities for involvement in upcoming FIBA events, such as World Cup qualifiers.[2] Expected to serve as a point guard, Russell's addition is anticipated to bolster Romania's backcourt with his scoring and playmaking abilities honed in European club play.[2][8]Career statistics
College
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | eFG% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS | |--------|------|------|-------|---|----|----|----|-----|-----|----|-----|-----|----|-----|-----|------|----|-----|-----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|----|-----| | 2017-18 | Rhode Island | A-10 | FR | 34 | 0 | 17.9 | 2.4 | 6.9 | .352 | 1.1 | 3.9 | .298 | 1.3 | 3.0 | .422 | .436 | 1.0 | 1.2 | .810 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 7.0 | | 2018-19 | Rhode Island | A-10 | SO | 32 | 32 | 34.1 | 4.7 | 13.8 | .338 | 1.3 | 5.6 | .223 | 3.4 | 8.2 | .416 | .383 | 3.6 | 4.9 | .737 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 3.7 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 14.2 | | 2019-20 | Rhode Island | A-10 | JR | 30 | 29 | 35.7 | 6.0 | 15.5 | .388 | 2.0 | 5.6 | .357 | 4.0 | 9.9 | .405 | .453 | 4.8 | 5.9 | .824 | 0.7 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 0.2 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 18.8 | | 2020-21 | Rhode Island | A-10 | SR | 23 | 22 | 33.2 | 4.1 | 12.1 | .337 | 1.0 | 4.4 | .235 | 3.0 | 7.7 | .395 | .380 | 5.5 | 6.9 | .799 | 0.4 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1.9 | 0.1 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 14.7 | | 2021-22 | Maryland | Big Ten | SR | 32 | 31 | 32.6 | 5.0 | 12.2 | .410 | 1.4 | 4.1 | .348 | 3.6 | 8.1 | .442 | .469 | 3.7 | 4.7 | .785 | 0.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 15.1 | All stats from his college career at Rhode Island and Maryland.[3]Professional
Per Game Averages by Season
| Season | Team | League | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | Mornar Bar | ABA League | 15 | 35.1 | 8.4 | 21.1 | .399 | 4.1 | 11.7 | .347 | 5.9 | 7.0 | .848 | 3.7 | 7.3 | 1.5 | 26.8 |
| 2022-23 | Galatasaray Nef | BSL (Turkey) | 14 | 30.0 | 3.9 | 12.4 | .312 | 2.1 | 6.9 | .313 | 3.1 | 3.9 | .800 | 3.4 | 5.4 | 1.6 | 13.0 |
| 2023-24 | Manisa BB | BSL (Turkey) | 25 | 32.7 | 5.2 | 13.9 | .371 | 2.2 | 7.4 | .297 | 5.0 | 6.4 | .780 | 3.2 | 5.9 | 1.9 | 17.5 |
| 2024-25 | Pınar Karşıyaka | BSL (Turkey) | 14 | 27.4 | 5.3 | 13.1 | .404 | 1.9 | 6.1 | .302 | 3.6 | 4.5 | .810 | 2.6 | 4.7 | 1.6 | 16.1 |
| 2025-26 | U-BT Cluj-Napoca | ABA League | 5 | 24.8 | 5.6 | 11.4 | .491 | 2.6 | 6.0 | .433 | 2.4 | 3.2 | .750 | 2.8 | 4.4 | 1.4 | 16.2 |
| 2025-26 | U-BT Cluj-Napoca | BKT EuroCup | 7 | 29.0 | 7.1 | 16.1 | .442 | 3.4 | 8.4 | .407 | 6.1 | 8.3 | .741 | 4.1 | 6.9 | 1.0 | 23.9 |