Robin Benzing ineligible for NCAA basketball
July 19, 2008
The name of Robin Benzing may not be a familiar one to all readers of BallinEurope, but he is now a new chapter of the problems young facing Europeans who wish to play in the NCAA.
Brandon Jennings signs with European club Virtus Roma
July 16, 2008
Here we go: Brandon Jennings makes history for officially signing with a Euroleague team straight out of high school. His team: Virtus Roma. Since I spent the last year in Rome, I’m not sure this city is a good environment for Brandon; basketball-wise, it could be a good fit, though. From Roma’s official statement, it seems Brandon is bringing over his entire family!
Roma will play against Spanish top club Tau Ceramica, Fenerbahce Ulker from Turkey, Olympia Ljubljana (Slovenia), DKV Joventut (Spain), and Alba Berlin (Germany) during the group stage of the Euroleague season.
Why is Roma interested in Jennings? Well, they just lost Roko Ukic to the NBA, but still has Ibrahim Jaaber at the point guard. It is more than obvious that Brandon wants to prove himself in Europe and then leave the club for the NBA.
Personally, I am excited … well, curious. I know that most Americans don’t think the Euroleague is competition for ANY American player, but this year’s Euroleague will be on a whole other level. What if Brandon doesn’t succeed - don’t forget this guy is still “only” a high school star - as Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Kevin Garnett have…?
(Thanks to “name” who provided us with the link within our comments.)
Is being drafted still worth it?
June 4, 2008
With the NBA Draft 2008 approaching, I was wondering if it is still a dream to be drafted by a NBA team. The decline of the US dollar and the financial improvement of top European clubs has reduced the gap between NBA franchises and the top teams of The Continent.
Duke graduate Trajan Langdon stays in Moscow
May 21, 2008
As the official CSKA Basketball web site tells us, CSKA guard Trajan Langdon has signed a new ‘2+1’ contract with CSKA, meaning that Langdon will stay in the club until at least the 2009/10 season.
I guess I’ll get another chance to show Trajan my “DUKE SUCKS” shirt …
Besides Langdon, Matjaz Smodis also signed a 3+1 contract with CSKA today.
Everybody has been expecting CSKA to fall apart: Head coach Ettore Messina was expected to leave as well, while rumors continue about the fate of David Andersen, whose contract also expires. What about Papaloukas[, by the way...? Many unanswered questions remain in the city of Moscow.
Will the Russian Borat fan win the NCAA crown?
April 5, 2008
Well, this title may sound a bit strange but I try to give some info about the NCAA Final Four that is played this weekend in San Antonio. What has this to do with Europe? Well there are some Europeans playing in San Antonio with their respective schools.
ESPN goes Europe
January 30, 2008
Some European bloggers or sports fans have been complaining for years, that people in the US have one big advantage: They grow up with the NBA, NCAA, NFL, MLB and NHL 24/7 on their TV. They say that this gives them the heads up. Even if you do agree with that (I don’t) then ESPN has a solution for you now. Read more
From balling to boxing, the life of Kaspars Kambala
January 15, 2008
What would you do if you were banned from professional basketball for 2 years ? Latvian center Kaspars Kambala decided to give a shot to a boxing career… Read more
The future of European basketball…in the NCAA ?
January 4, 2008
Just like Sarunas Jasikevicius before (Maryland), some of the best European prospects are currently learning how to play basketball in the States. 2 months into the season, here is a round-up of the names you should memorize soon.
David Vanterpool anybody?
December 30, 2007
Does this name ring any bells for you? Yes, David did play of CSKA Moscow last season - well, until he got injured and Oscar Torres (now with UPIM Bologna) replaced him. What is going on with David? Has he signed somewhere we just don’t know? Well, Ettore Messina explains what David is up to. Read more
Kerry Gibson has something to say
December 8, 2007
After all these comments that we got on that article that has been deleted by now, I thought I would try to get in contact with Kerry to see if he has something to say about this situation. Kerry’s friend, Anthony Koch who originally posted the interview with Kerry Gibson, answered me this:
