Former Appalachian State University Standout DJ Thompson is leading AEK

Former Appalachian State University Mountaineer, DJ Thompson is in the leader boards of both Steals and Assists for top level AEK in Athens (Greece). The 5’8” point guard has been a crowd favorite every where he has played. After making his professional debut in Poland last season (where he was named an all star), he is now among the league leaders in both steals (1.5 per game, 5th) and assists ( 3.1 per game, 7th). He is also averaging 11 points per game in 29 minutes.

Ije Nwankwo is now in Argentina

Former USA Select player, 6’8” Ije Nwankwo (Purdue /Cleveland State) is now in Argentina after playing in Portugal last year. A member of the 2006 USA Select Tour, is now averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds for an San Martin Marcos Juarez.

Clint Deas, rebounding champion is in Ireland

6’8” Clint Deas signed to play for the Shamrock Hoops Rovers in the Irish Super league. The former USA Select and Appalachian State standout is known for his rebounding focus. In previous seasons, he has averaged as many as 20+ rebounds per game. He has season highs of 26 points and 17 rebounds thus far.

USA Select player, Terrell Smith named MVP!

USA Select General Manager, Sean Kilmartin was recently informed that 2008 European Tour member Terrell Smith (Limestone College) was named the England Basketball’s Division 1 National Cup finals MVP! Terrell, who has lead the Reading Rockets to a 21-0 start, recorded 26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a block in the championship game!

According to legendary Rockets Coach, Dave Titmus; “I was thrilled for him when he sparked our fourth quarter comeback. We were trailing by 6 going into the final period but won it 29 – 17 (74 – 68 final score) thanks to Terrell’s inspirational leadership, he would just not let the guys accept defeat. Last week he knocked down a 3 pointer with 0.6 seconds left on the clock to defeat London leopards in a national trophy game that guarantees us a home draw in the semi-finals.

Men’s National Cup – Worthing Guard Scott a Question Mark

Wednesday, 09-Jan-2008 By Dave Ryan

Worthing Thunder are sweating on the fitness of USA Select Basketball’s shooting guard Demetrius Scott (pictured) as the build-up for Sunday’s National Cup final against Manchester Magic continues. The former Appalachian State University standout was a 3 year starter for Houston Fancher at the NCAA Division 1 school.

The American is seriously doubtful for the game having suffered a sprained ankle in training last week. He missed both games last weekend and will be sitting out training this week whilst undergoing intense physiotherapy in an attempt to get him fit to play.

Without Scott, and the suspended Ryan Marrast, Thunder went down to a shock two-point loss at Sheffield Arrows in EBL Division One last Saturday, and were hammered 118-69 at Guildford Heat in the BBL Trophy the following day.

Thunder coach Rob Newson is understandably concerned about the absence of the team’s leading scorer:

“Demetrius is the focal point for the team, both from ours and an opponent’s perspective, he is the glue that holds the team together and makes things happen, either for himself or his team mates.

“We will be spending a lot of time this week on defense and getting our conditioning back, which was a factor in our defeats last weekend. Manchester have a lot of players that can score heavily and a number of capable outside shooters, so we will be working on getting out to them without giving up easy baskets inside.

“They have good players all the way down their bench, so we will be having an intense week concentrating on getting our offences back in sync and playing hard nosed defense to give us the best chance of bringing the cup home.”

Sunday’s final at Moorways tips off at 3.30pm. Tickets are available on the day priced £8.00 for adults, £4.00 for juniors and £20 for a family of four.

Photo – Andre Nichols

USA Select Basketball player Lawrence “Puff” Summers leads top league in Ireland in steals!

Select Players dominate in stats

Sean Kilmartin, General Manager of USA Select Basketball was pleased to see the former Davidson point guard leading the Irish Supraleague (top league) in both steals and assists. “Puff” is currently playing for highly regarded coach Terry Kennedy for Team Merry Monk Ballina is averaging 10.5 assist and 5.5 steals!

Former USA Select Captain, Sam Bradely drops 40 in pro debut!

Sam Bradley, a 6’5” combo guard from Christian Brothers University made his impact known for the top league London Capitols of the British Basketball League (BBL). Sean Kilmartin, GM of USA Select Basketball arranged the signing of Sam’s first pro contract with good friend Steve Bucknall coach of the London Capitols while on tour in September. Steve was a former UNC Tarheel standout and Los Angeles Laker was impressed with Sam’s versatility. Making his first start in the BBL, Sam went for 40 points in a big win over Plymouth Raiders.

Demetrious Scott leads Thunder to top status!

USA Select and former Appalachian State standout Demetrious Scott is leading the Worthing Thunders to another successful season. In a recent match, the former ASU Mountaineer went for 35 points, 10 rebounds and 4 steals! The Thunder are headed by the husband and wife team Alan and Rosemary Dawes and are located in a beautiful sea side town of Worthing, England. USA Select GM has enjoyed a very close relationship with the Thunder, and the way Demetrious is playing, it is expected to get even better.

Ije Nwankwo is now with Akatemia in Finland

The 6’8” power forward, who signed his first pro contract through Sean Kilmartin and USA Select Basketball is now with Finland team Akatemia. Still without a victory (0-13 record), Akatemia is trying to polish their shield and rise above few teams to renew their place in 1st division next year. Possible solution to problem took Ije Nwankwo (201-F-85, college: Cleveland St., USA Select Tour) form as the big inside player made his debut yesterday. Nwankwo was tested by Team Componenta earlier this fall but didn’t get signed.

Appalachian State Standout, D.J. Thompson leading Polish team AZS Koszalin

D.J. Thompson, the former All Southern Conference performer for Appalachian State University and Houston Fancher is leading his Division 1 team in minutes, points, steals and assists! One of the best point guards in Europe, D.J. is a crowd pleaser!