After a successful season in the Georgian Superleague, Bakrazde will look to bolster the Lapua roster in a perennially competitive Korisliiga.  This past season with TSU Tblisi, Givi averaged an impressive 12.5 points per game on excellent shooting numbers (FG: 49.6%, 3FG: 33.3%, FT: 70.3), 3.5 rebounds per game, and a stunning 5.4 assists per game.   Bakradze’s up-tempo playing style and ability find open teammates has drawn well-deserved comparisons to a young Ricky Rubio.

As one of the top upcoming guards in Europe, Bakradze will look to help Lapua improve on their 13-31 record in the 2012-13 season.  Lapua will be coached by former NBA player Terence Stansbury, who also had a long career in French basketball after his stint with the Indiana Pacers.

The post Givi Bakradze signs in Finland appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

Slippery Rock University senior men’s basketball standout Devin Taylor and Amherst College star Allen Williamson will fill Etzella’s two import spots in the 2013-14 season. 

Taylor, a 6-foot-6, 205 pound versatile forward from New Castle, Pa., finished his three-year Slippery Rock career this winter with 1,141 points and 750 rebounds. He averaged at least 11.8 points per game in all three years at The Rock and finished with career averages of 13.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

Williamson, a 6-foot-4, 210 pound scorer out of Amherst College is coming off a remarkable senior year where he led the Amherst Jeffs to the NCAA Division III National Championship.  Williamson finished the season averaging 11.9 points per game on 53.2% shooting (3FG: 36.4%, FT: 73.9%), and averaged 5.1 rebounds per contest.

Etzella Ettelbruck  was founded in 1934 and competes in the Total League, the highest professional basketball league in Luxembourg. The league was formally known as the Diekirch League before a name change in 2012. Eztella has won the league title 14 times, trailing only Sporting Bettembourg (16) for the most titles in league history.

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-Forward of the Year

-All-League 1st Team

-All-Imports Team

Thomas ended the season with a hugely impressive 19.7 ppg (FG: 59.2%, 3FG: 33.2%, FT: 75.5%), 6.4 rpg, and 1.5 apg.  Thomas is all but assured to be one of the hottest free agents on the European circuit this summer.

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“We’re thrilled to have Holden as part of our team.  His versatility is going to serve him well as a professional” said PPSM’s Nick Morteo.  “He’s got all the physical tools to be an impact player overseas.  He’s going to turn a lot of heads when he arrives.”

The post Pro Partner Sports welcomes Lehigh’s Holden Greiner appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

          -Player of the Year

          -Forward of the Year

          -Import Player of the Year

          -Defensive Player of the Year

          -All-League 1st Team

          -All-Imports Team

No other player in the Total League came close to matching Sharry’s accomplishments in his inaugural season with T71.

Sharry will return next season to Dudelange to defend the League Cup, as well as the League Championship in the 2013-2014 season.

The post Sharry sweeps Eurobasket.com All-Luxembourg League Awards appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

T71 got off to a blistering pace, led by Pro Partner Sports Management’s Dennel Stephens, who made his first 5 shots of the game on his way to a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. In the third quarter, T71 went on a big run and took a 12-point-lead (72:60). But Amicale fought back over the next minutes. In a very thrilling final minute, Tom Schumacher of T71 knocked down four of four free-throws and secured the win for his team.  Ryan Sharry chipped a double-double of his own with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

In other news to bolster the T71 squad, both Sharry and Stephens announced on Sunday that they have each signed contract extensions and will return to the Club next season to defend the championship title. Sharry, the former Middlebury College standout, made an incredible impression in his rookie season with T71, averaging 19.2 ppg and 12.6 rpg, becoming one of the most efficient player in recent memory. Stephens, the four year Luxembourg veteran, averaged 16.6 ppg and 12.7 rpg, forming the other half of a formidable duo in Dudelange.

“We’re thrilled to have both Ryan and Nelly returning to Dudelange for the 2013-2014 season” said Pro Partner Sports Management’s Nick Zaccardi “they’ve proven that they can win, and are among the most exciting one-two punches in the Total League.  Both of them are on their way to great things.”

The post Ryan Sharry, Nelly Stephens lead T71 to Total League Championship appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

Lee was awarded the Ehlers Award by the CAA which is presented annually to the men’s basketball student-athlete who “embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship in conjunction with his academic athletic achievement.”  The Flint, MI native was also one of 10 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award, an honor presented to the men’s basketball student-athlete who most excels in four areas – community, classroom, character and competition.

Pro Partner Sports’ Nick Morteo said of the signing, “Jonathan is a great kid who is really versatile – he can score, rebound, and pass from the point guard spot.  I have no doubt that he will be successful wherever he ends up.  Any team would be lucky to sign someone with Jonathan’s ability, leadership, and drive.”

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The Redwood City, CA native has certainly taken a unique path to this point in his career.  Following his junior season on the hardwood at American, things changed for Lumpkins as he was selected in the 13th round of the MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals after attending an open tryout.  The 6’8″ left-hander stunned scouts when he was clocked with a fastball at 90+ mph on the radar gun and it appeared that his focus may be shifting to the diamond.  After a year and a half of minor league ball though, Lumpkins was drawn back to his true love of basketball and returned to American University for his senior season – a standout year that saw him named to All-Patriot League Team and NABC All-District Team.

“Stephen has the potential to be a really good pro and make money playing this game.” says PPSM agent Frank Catapano, “We’ve had him training up here in Boston and I’ve seen some inside/outside versatility in his game that he didn’t get a chance to show at American – I think he translates well at the next level.  Tough, smart, plays hard.  Stephen’s a quality young man too and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

The post American University’s Stephen Lumpkins signs with PPSM appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

Pro Partner Sports’ Jim Buckley said of the signing, “Jordan is a talented kid, but also highly-motivated and excited about the challenges that lie ahead for him as he transitions to a professional career.  He’s got all of the attributes you look for in a high-level European prospect and we’re happy to be a part of his future.”

The post Pro Partner signs Jordan Reves appeared first on Pro Partner Sports.

While at Bowling Green, Calhoun played under coach Louis Orr and during his senior year led the Falcons in scoring (15.1 ppg) and rebounds (7.1 rpg) in a competitive Mid-American Conference.  The 6’7″, 220 lb forward has established himself as a dangerous all-around player with the ability to score inside, as well as being a threat from range.

“A’uston is an excellent addition to our team of athletes and we are excited for our future together,” said Frank Catapano of Pro Partner Sports.

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