NBA Gets Younger
Today, 6 young players have achieved their dream: play for the NBA.
Will Sit,
Sam Keon,
Alex Buckley,
Ivan Shchipansky,
Heigo Randma and
Jing Xu will feature a new bunch of players in the National Basketball Association.
The
Toronto Raptors made the first move, signing Sit. The Raptors thought they didn't have much depth in the point guard position after acquiring
Mike James from Houston, in exchange for
Rafer Alston. Sit will compete for the starting PG position with James,
Jose Calderon,
Darrick Martin and
Alvin Williams; but Calderon's a rookie, Martin is a veteran with not much success and Williams didn't play in the 04-05 season.
"I'm very proud to be part of the Raptors organization," Sit said.
Hours later, the Houston Rockets signed Keon. Keon went to Saunders High School in London, Ontario, Canada. He made the semi-finals last year, played as a starter at forward; sharpshooter, but starting to take it to the hole and build confidence. He can guard bigger men, and is trouble against quick players; but beaten on drives. A great rebounder, can get up there and excellent passer, and always looking for the open man. Loves video games (NBA Live 06), and his favorite athlete growing up was former Kings and now Sixers forward
Chris Webber.
"It will be great to play with Yao and T-Mac," he said after signing his first NBA contract.
In midday, the Bucks added forward
Alex Buckley to the roster. He was in 8th grade, in Penn State University. He has awareness on both sides, and he has a 3.2 GPA. As Keon, he likes video games and grew up liking the 76ers.
"I still can't believe I will play with Michael (Redd)," he said. "Coach Terry (Stotts) gave me confidence and I have faith that I will have a good season."
Exactly an hour after that, the Golden State Warriors signed russian forward
Ivan Shchipansky. Shchipansky went to Green Mountain High School in Denver. He loves video games too, and his favorite NBA player is Nuggets center
Marcus Camby. His favourite music is hip-hop and heavy metal, and he also like plays football and soccer.
"I'm very happy to join the Warriors. Will be nice to play along Jason (Richardson) and Baron (Davis)."
The New Jersey Nets, then, signed swingman
Heigo Randma, from Estonia. Randma set the school to Estonia. He played for TTU Basketball Club's U-18 team TTU KK/Trenet, witch is one of the two best if not the best team in that age group in Estonia. The team has been in the top 3 three times last five years (two 2nd places and one 3rd). This season, they have won all of their games with an average margin of 30 points, including a 2-point win over the other top team and their biggest rival, Tiit Soku KK. Randma was one of the team's top players, averaging about 15-8-4.
"I'm glad that I can be a part of the Nets team," he added.
In the last move of the night, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed guard
Jing Xu. Xux was born in Anping, Hebei, China; and made the college in UMASS. He will wear number #14 for the Cavs this season.
