Olimpia Milano announced Juan Fernandez

An early snatch for Olimpia.


While most players coming out of the NCAA don't even have an agent yet, Olimpia Milano announced via their official website the signing of Argentinian/Italian point guard Juan Fernandez(1.93-PG). This is the extract from their site:

Olimpia Milano basketball EA7 Emporio Armani announces that it has reached a multiyear agreement with the Italian national player of Juan Fernandez, playmaker, 1.93 in height, which has just finished his university degree at the Temple University in Philadelphia.He was born in Rio Tercero in Argentina July 22, 1990 to parents of Italian origin, for four years at Temple, Fernandez these days is playing in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, reserved for the best college players, after leading his team to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In the season just ended has scored 11.1 points with 3.8 assists and average of 43.1% in the three-point shooting.

Fernandez is currently playing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament although he is not doing as well as expected. It's very likely that he will be sent on loan to another team in the upcoming season to get experiences at pro level and sharpen his skills. He averaged 11.4 points 2.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 32 games in the NCAA playing for Temple.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Olimpija signed Eric Dawson

Union Olimpija agrees with Eric Dawson


Union Olimpija signed center Eric Dawson (208cm, 1984) until end of season with option to extend him for another one. He started the season in D-League with Austin Toros where he had an average of 16,2 points and 10,6 rebounds per game. He played collegiate basketball at the Midwestern State University. He already played twice international basketball as he spent time in Japan and South Korea. This will be his first time in Europe.

source : union.olimpija.com

Click here to return to the homepage.

Melvin Goins to play in Greece

Goins will play for KAO Dramas.


Melvin Goins(1.80-PG) will be the latest addition of A1 hopefuls KAO Dramas according to sport24.gr. The point guard of the Tennessee Volunteers will play in the same league as former teammate Scotty Hopson(2.01-SF) that plays for Kolossos Rhodes. KAO Dramas is one of the teams with the smallest budget in the league and their main goal at this stage to secure their place in next season's A1.

Goins will be in Greece tomorrow evening in order to become part of the team as soon as possible so that he gets a chance to play in this weekend's game against Aris BC. Goins will be helping veteran Sakis Karidas(1.85-PG) in the point guard position. He also confirmed himself via Twitter that he will be playing in Greece. Goins finished the season for Tennessee averaging 8.1 points 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 33 games.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Will Thomas to play for BC Armia

Another experienced player for the Army club.


Army Sport Klub Tbilisi added another experienced forward to their team and this time it's Will Thomas(2.03-PF) previously of Oostende in Belgium. Thomas has been playing for the last 3 seasons in Belgium after he graduated from George Mason University in 2008.

His Eurochallenge experience will be valuable to Armia as he averaged 12.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in 17 games for Oostende. He also averaged 11 points and 5.5 rebounds in the Belgian League.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Adrian Oliver to play for Aris?

Fresh from his Twitter account.


Adrian Oliver(1.93-SG) said in his Twitter account just 4 hours ago:
Signed a contract to play this lockout season in Greece. Thank you all for the good wishes. Leave in about a week so gettin everything...

In a previous article it was indicated that Oliver could be playing for Aris BC in Thessaloniki Greece and that makes him Aris' 4th college boy to be added in the roster if it's actually them he signed with. This is a radical turn for Aris signing already 4 college boys and possibly a 5th one in the next few days or even hours. The roster needs to be completed by the end of this month so the preparation stage can begin. Oliver's name comes up today again in today's edition of Athlitika Nea.

Perhaps there will be an announcement earlier today.Many thanks to the mysterious Mr. Pek for the heads up this morning.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Adrian Oliver considers offer from Greece

He's got another offer from Spain.


Adrian Oliver(1.93-SG) had a great final season with San Jose State and now he is weighing his options about the next step in his career. He's been constantly asking on Twitter whether he should go to play in Greece. He did mention he had another offer from Spain but the money was better in Greece, however odd this may sound.

Today Adrian Oliver's name came up in Athlitika Nea, a newspaper affiliated to Aris BC where it highlights Oliver as potential candidate for Aris. Could that be a coincidence or could there be more teams involved. Oliver displayed his wide array of scoring methods this past season averaging 24.3 points 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in a total of 31 games.


Click here to return to the homepage.

Brady Morningstar agreed terms with AGOR

Former Kansas University basketball guard Brady Morningstar will begin his professional career on the Greek Island of Crete, fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.


The 6-foot-4 Lawrence native announced Sunday that he’d reached agreement on a one-year contract with A.G.O. Rethymno, which plays in Greece’s top league. Terms were not disclosed. Morningstar’s new team reached the finals of the Greek Cup in 2006-07.

“I’m excited to start a new chapter of basketball in my life,” the former Free State High standout said. “In terms of standard of living, I think it’s a great place to play. Until I go over there, I won’t know exactly what the competition is like. Right now, I’m excited for a new journey.”

Morningstar, 25, averaged 7.1 points, 3.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds a game last season for KU (35-3).

Will he miss KU and the fans?

“Always, always,” he said. “There’s so much love and so much support.”

source : ljworld.com


Click here to return to the homepage.

Sergio Kerusch for 3 seasons in Aris

The 3rd college boy of Aris.



Sergio Kerusch is the latest transfer of ARIS BC, he has signed a three-year contract and will hold a European spot in the team as his father is German. Kerusch is 1,95m tall and he plays forward but he can also be helpful as shooting guard. His passion and insistence are his great characteristics that allow him to score and gain many offensive and defensive rebounds.

Who is who:
Sergio Kerusch was born on June 1st 1989 in Memphis, Tennessee. He studied in Western Kentucky University with which he played in NCAA.

2008-09: Western Kentucky University (NCAA): 34 games, 24,7min, 11,2 ppg (44,6% fgp, 25,0% 3pt, 63,7% ft) and 7,4 rpg.
2009-10: Western Kentucky University (NCAA): 20 games, 28,9 min, 14,3 ppg (45,3% fgp, 35,5% 3pt, 61,7% ft) and 7,2 rpg.
2010-11: Western Kentucky University (NCAA): 32 games, 31,0 min, 15,6 ppg (48,5% fgp, 30,7% 3pt, 64,4% ft) and 7,9 rpg.


source : arisbc.gr

Click here to return to the homepage.

Maroussi made offer to Scotty Hopson?

With what money?


According to basketblog.gr, Maroussi seem to have made an offer to Scotty Hopson(2.01-SF). This is all well and good but in Maroussi they have no money, no administration, no head coach (not even an assistant coach anymore) and lots of debts.. The former president and major shareholder of the team has stepped back and left em to their own devices still repaying debts of the last 3 years. It will be difficult for Maroussi as their fans are numbered in the hundreds and that's a very optimistic estimation.

Perhaps this will be a good chance for Scotty Hopson to get some good stats in a pro league like the A1 if he is willing to play for free for one season or if he is a patient man. He forfeited his last season in college to enter the draft by hiring an agent. Hopson was one of the few players that missed out this summer in the 2011 Draft when his name wasn't called, to the dismay and surprise of many people.In his junior and last season he averaged 17 points 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in a total of 32 games.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Rumors about Aris and Corey Stokes

One of the best shooters of the NCAA to land in Greece?


According to Aris-affiliated newspaper Athlitika Nea, the latest target of the Greek team is college sharp-shooter Corey Stokes(1.95-SG). It says that Aris and Stokes are in advanced talks and if there is a deal it might even be finalised today. If Stokes signs he will be the 3rd college signing for Aris after Dan Mavraides(1.93-PG/SG) and Sam Muldrow(2.06-PF).

Stokes was one of the top scorers of Villanova for the past 4 seasons and he is mostly known for his shooting ability behind the arc. This past season he shot 89 out of 206 three pointers(43.2%) ranking him 15th in the nation. Stokes' great season with Villanova was marred by an incident that resulted into a bar brawl and that ended up with Stokes being arrested. During the past season he averaged 14.9 points 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in a total of 29 games for the Villanova Wildcats.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Tyrel Reed signed with Pepinster

Burlington native/Kansas University graduate Tyrel Reed will begin his professional basketball career far from home.


The 6-foot-3 combo guard on Wednesday agreed to a one-year contract with VOO Verviers-Pepinster, a member of the Ethias League in Verviers, Belgium. Terms were not disclosed.

“I’m just excited to begin this adventure,” said Reed, who along with wife Jessica, heads overseas this weekend for training camp and the start of a season that runs through May, 2012.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Reed added. “It’s not like I’m making NBA money. I don’t really know all the particulars (of salary). Regardless of money, I’m excited to know I will be able to play professional basketball. There are a lot of nerves right now. I guess you could say I’m a rookie not knowing what to expect over there — different language, different country, driving a stick shift. Little things you kind of worry about. You know basketball is still going to be the same.”

Reed noted that former KU/Gonzaga guard Micah Downs started his pro career with VOO Verviers-Pepinster. Americans currently on the team include former South Carolina guard Devan Downey, Richmond center Dan Geriot and Vanderbilt guard Jermaine Beal.

“It is a stable country, stable team. It’s a really good league,” Reed said. “There’s a lot of great basketball in Belgium. A lot of good players have played there and moved on to other jobs in Europe. I’m ready to make the most of it.”

He expects to be used at both shooting guard and point guard.

“I don’t think I’m set at anything. It’s kind of how KU is,” Reed said. “A guard is a guard, the one and the two. That’s the mind-set I’m going to have.”

There is some positive karma as he and his wife begin this new adventure.

“My team has a blue bird (as mascot). I don’t know what kind of bird it is,” he said with a laugh. “I don’t think it’s a Jayhawk, but like my sister said, maybe I’m stuck on teams that have birds as their mascot, I don’t know.”

source : kusports.com



Click here to return to the homepage.

Keith Benson joins Dinamo Sassari

A "steal" for Sassari.



Banco di Sardegna Sassari announced the agreement with Keith Benson (210-C-88), a big man who impressed a lot during his college career, spent with Oakland.

Benson, who has been drafted by Atlanta Hawks (number 48 of second round) averaged 17.9 ppg and 10.1 rpd during his senior year (17.3 ppg and 10.5 rpg during the third college year). Benson is also an incredible shot blocker. His nickname is 'Kito'. This deal increases the ambition of Dinamo Sassari and is an interesting addition for Italian Serie A   


source : eurobasket.com

Click here to return to the homepage.

Jamie Vanderbeken to play in Greece?

Only a rumor at this stage.


According to basketblog.gr, Jamie Vanderbeken(2.11-SF/PF) will be playing in Greece for Maroussi next season. The talented shooting forward has a UK passport and that is a valuable commodity in the European transfer market. Maroussi on the other hand are not what you'd call a model team. They are being plagued by many debts as many other Greek teams and a lack of people to manage the club, let alone players.

At the moment they don't even have a coach but the consensus is that Sotiris Manolopoulos, who was assistant last season will be the head coach this season. As for Jamie Vanderbeken, he comes from the Iowa State Cyclones where he was shooting behind the arc with 42.5% accuracy(65/153). He averaged 11.1 points 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in a total of 29 games.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Aris BC announced Dan Mavraides for 3 seasons

A quality investment for Aris BC.


Just when you thought that nothing was moving in Aris, Dan Mavraides(1.93-PG/SG) was announced via the team's official site and the deal is valid for 3 seasons. It is noted in the announcement that Mavraides returned his signed contract to the team's offices and the final clause for the contract to be valid is that he gets his Greek passport. It's also noted that this is more a typicality as Mavraides' father is Greek. This upcoming season he will be playing in the Greek A1 league and also the Eurocup.

In this way Mavraides will take up the position of a Greek player thus allowing the team to sign 3 more American players. Mavraides took advantage of his Greek heritage by signing a 3 season contract which means that they're expecting him to grow into the team and become a major contributor. The captain of the Princeton Tigers played a big role in transforming the team into a winner in the Ivy League reaching the March Madness and raising the hopes of their fans after 6 years. Princeton lost to semifinalist Kentucky in a heartbreaking game where Mavraides led his team to what would have been a major upset for the Wildcats and a triumpant victory for the outsiders. Mavraides averaged 12.7 points 4.6 rebounds 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game in a total of 32 games contributing in defense, playmaking and scoring for his team.

Here are the highlights from his senior season:

Click here to return to the homepage.

Olimpija announced Danny Green

With an NBA-out clause.


BC Union Olimpija Ljubljana signed one-year contract with NBA-out option with former Tar Heel Danny Green. He will join Deon Thompson, his former teammate from University of North Carolina.

Green was drafted by the NBA in 2009 and played for Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs in the last two seasons. In the last season he was also part of D-League team Reno Bighorns where he averaged 20.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.


source : union.olimpija.com

Click here to return to the homepage.

Casey Mitchell and Akis Kallinikidis announced by AGOR

Double whammy by the Cretan team that returns to the big league.


AGOR announced via their official website the signing of Greek veteran Akis Kallinikidis(1.97-SG/SF) and graduate scorer Casey Mitchell(1.93-SG). The deal is for one season for each player and these are the first transfers for AGOR that add experience and scoring prowess in their ranks.

Kallinikidis has played for quite a few teams in Greece and Mitchell comes from West Virginia University in the NCAA although he started at Chipola College of the NJCAA and he played for them for the first 2 seasons. His talents didn't go unnoticed by West Viriginia that brought him to the team in 2009. He averaged 13.1 points 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 30 games with West Virginia. His arguments with coach Bob Huggins cost 3 games sidelined and then he saw his playing time reduced significantly which was a serious blow to his stats. Mitchell is a valid candidate for the top scoring position of the Greek A1 league next season.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Ravern Johnson to sign with Ikaros

Another sharp-shooter in the Greek league.


According to onsports.gr, Ravern Johnson(2.01-SF) will be the next transfer of the Greek team that are playing in the big league for 2nd season in a row. According to the article Ikaros sent the contract back to Johnson to have it signed but he hasn't returned it yet. However his agent told the team that he will have signed the contract by tomorrow.

Johnson was one of the best shooters of the NCAA last season averaging 40.3% behind the arc with 83 out of 206 shots made. He graduated from Mississipi State University this summer averaging 17.6 points and 3.6 rebounds for the Bulldogs in 28 games.

Click here to return to the homepage.

Jon Dielber signed with Panionios in Greece

Jon Diebler said this morning he has signed a one-year contract to play for Panionios in the Greek A1 League this season.


The contract does not have an opt-out clause if the NBA lockout ends and the league goes back to work, he said. Diebler was a second-round selection by the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA draft in June.

"I'm there for the year," Diebler said.

"With the lockout, it put a twist on things. I'm definitely a guy who would benefit from a full (training) camp instead of a shortened one."

Diebler said he and his agent and the Blazers discussed him playing overseas during the week between the draft and the start of the lockout. "Portland's been great. They want what's best for me."

Diebler's agent, Lance Young, said Diebler's contract is for more than $100,000 and includes "up-front money." 

"Doing stuff to protect him was our main objective," Young said, "making sure when he gets there, he gets a little chunk of change once he passes his physical." While not revealing Diebler's salary, Young said it is worth "well over the $100,000 mark.

"That was kind of our objective. Most guys in their first year in Europe make $100,000 to $120,000. We wanted to make sure we could get more than that." 

Diebler said he and his wife, Caitlin, leave later this month for Athens, where Panionios is based. He is scheduled to report to training camp August 28. His former Ohio State teammate, Zisis Sarikopoulos, was a reserve for Panionios last season, but Diebler is not certain whether he will re-sign with the team.

"I wanted to play in a really good league," Diebler said. "I was not so worried about how big my contract is. I was more worried about, for a year, going to play in a really good league with good teams and play really good competition and get better.

"I also wanted to go somewhere nice and has things to do. I wanted to have a nice situation for my wife. There’s a lot of nice places around the world, but I didn’t want to go somewhere where I'd have to worry about her when I’m on the road."

Young said another objective was to find Diebler a team that will feature him.

"There were a lot of teams interested," he said. "We were trying to find right fit for him where he was playing at a high level and for a team that was looking at him as a focal point and not as a role player.

"He's been a role player at Ohio State, and he accepted that role. Now I think he wants to take a little more of an assertive role as a two-guard and prove to the Blazers that he’s going to be ready when he goes to their camp next year to be a long-time NBA player."

source : buckeyeextra.com


Click here to return to the homepage.

Skyliners announced Jon Leuer

A drafted prospect for Frankfurt.


It had been exactly 5 weeks since The Fraport Skyliners had acquired their last new player for the upcoming season with Joe Herber and the waiting for a new player seemed like an eternity, but the club announced today that Jon Leuer (208-F-89, agency: Priority Sports) will play for the team this season. Leuer is a 22 year old 208cm power forward from Long Lake Minessota. He is a solid power forward who is not so quick, but has great team mentality and defensive smartness. Knows how to score (and to gain fouls) in the low post, has a good outside shooting too.

He played high school basketball with Utah State player, Brad Brown (198-F) He was drafted recently by the by Milwaukee Bucks (NBA,2rd (40) and played at Wisconsin from 2007-2011 and in his senior year played 34 games: 18.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 84.3%. 'Joe was one of the top talents in the NCAA and is a big player that can shoot and play the post. He runs the fast break very well for his size and is smart with a high basketball IQ', stated Skyliner headcoach Muli Katzurin (agency: Avi Zilberman ). Awards/Achievements in his basketball career have been Big Ten Regular Season Champion -08, Big Ten Tournament Winner -08, NCAA Sweet 16 -08, 11, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, and All-Big Ten 1st Team -11. 'Joe has a very good and consistent shot. He can move very well and can play position four and five', stated Skyliner sport director Kamil Novak

source : eurobasket.com

Click here to return to the homepage.

Paok renewed with Dante Stiggers

A bargain for Paok.


Dante Stiggers(1.88-PG/SG) was the first player that was announced by Paok BC. The deal was announced via their official website and Stiggers renewed his contract for another season. Stiggers holds a Belarusian passport that allows him to play as an EU player instead of American.

He graduated from Southern Mississippi in 2005 and since then he's played in Belarus and Cyprus. This March he joined Paok where he averaged 7.8 points 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 16 games in the Greek A1 league. He is also a member of the National Team of Belarus.

Click here to return to the homepage.