Kori Ellis
10-18-2004, 04:35 AM
Some of this has already been covered on the forum.
http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=78805321-7C28-4F7C-AC2C-721E7F7D30A9
Spurs Foreign Interests
LAST UPDATE: 10/18/2004 4:28:11 AM
Posted By: Kori Ellis
By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com
This season's San Antonio Spurs roster consists of players from all parts of the globe. They've assembled a squad with players from Argentina to Africa to New Zealand. Additionally, the Spurs hold the rights to four foreign players playing internationally this season. As the year progresses, we will keep you updated on their development. Here is an early look at each prospect.
Luis Scola
With the 56th pick in the 2002 NBA draft, the Spurs selected Luis Scola out of Argentina. This summer Scola's skills were on display for all the world to see as he led the Argentinean National Team to the gold medal. Though the Spurs were unable to negotiate a buyout with Scola's current team and bring over the 6-foot-9 power forward this season, San Antonio still holds his rights and hopes to do so next summer.
When Tau Ceramica tipped off in the Spanish League, Scola picked up where he left off in the Olympics Games. In four games this season, Scola is averaging 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 31 minutes per contest, while shooting 64% from the field. Scola had a monster game against Ricoh Manresa in which he scored 33 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Tau Ceramica is currently 4-0 atop the league.
Robertas Javtokas
The Spurs drafted 6-foot-10 forward Robertas Javtokas with the 56th pick in the 2001 NBA draft. After a horrific motorcycle accident that nearly ended his basketball career in May 2002, Javtokas has worked his way back onto the court.
Last season, he made a miraculous return to Lietuvos Rytas where he averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest and was named to the All-Lithuanian league first team.
This season his team is off to a 4-0 start and though Javtokas' scoring has dipped, his all-around numbers look good so far. In those four games, Javtokas is averaging 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
Sergei Karaulov
When the Spurs selected Sergei Karaulov with the 57th overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft, no one knew much about the 7-foot-1 center from Uzbekistan. The 22-year-old has spent the last few seasons playing in the Russian leagues.
This year, Karaulov is on the roster for BC Khimky Moscow in Superleague A. Though the games have yet to begin for the Russian team, we will keep you up-to-date as the season progresses.
Viktor Sankidze
This 18-year-old from the Republic of Georgia could very well go down as a steal for the Spurs. On Draft Night 2004, San Antonio acquired his rights from the Atlanta Hawks for a future second round draft pick and cash considerations. The Hawks selected Sanikidze with the 42nd pick in the second round.
The Spurs love his long term potential. He has impressive perimeter abilities with an effective jump shot and the skill to take his man off the dribble. Sanikidze will need to gain weight to be effective in the NBA, but the Spurs aren't going to rush him into the league.
This season Sanikidze is playing for Dijon in France's ProA League. Currently the team is 2-1 and the 6-foot-8 Sanikidze has seen limited action. In 13 minutes per game, Sanikidze is averaging 5.7 points on 67% field goal shooting.
http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=78805321-7C28-4F7C-AC2C-721E7F7D30A9
Spurs Foreign Interests
LAST UPDATE: 10/18/2004 4:28:11 AM
Posted By: Kori Ellis
By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com
This season's San Antonio Spurs roster consists of players from all parts of the globe. They've assembled a squad with players from Argentina to Africa to New Zealand. Additionally, the Spurs hold the rights to four foreign players playing internationally this season. As the year progresses, we will keep you updated on their development. Here is an early look at each prospect.
Luis Scola
With the 56th pick in the 2002 NBA draft, the Spurs selected Luis Scola out of Argentina. This summer Scola's skills were on display for all the world to see as he led the Argentinean National Team to the gold medal. Though the Spurs were unable to negotiate a buyout with Scola's current team and bring over the 6-foot-9 power forward this season, San Antonio still holds his rights and hopes to do so next summer.
When Tau Ceramica tipped off in the Spanish League, Scola picked up where he left off in the Olympics Games. In four games this season, Scola is averaging 22.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 31 minutes per contest, while shooting 64% from the field. Scola had a monster game against Ricoh Manresa in which he scored 33 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Tau Ceramica is currently 4-0 atop the league.
Robertas Javtokas
The Spurs drafted 6-foot-10 forward Robertas Javtokas with the 56th pick in the 2001 NBA draft. After a horrific motorcycle accident that nearly ended his basketball career in May 2002, Javtokas has worked his way back onto the court.
Last season, he made a miraculous return to Lietuvos Rytas where he averaged 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest and was named to the All-Lithuanian league first team.
This season his team is off to a 4-0 start and though Javtokas' scoring has dipped, his all-around numbers look good so far. In those four games, Javtokas is averaging 8.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks.
Sergei Karaulov
When the Spurs selected Sergei Karaulov with the 57th overall pick of the 2004 NBA draft, no one knew much about the 7-foot-1 center from Uzbekistan. The 22-year-old has spent the last few seasons playing in the Russian leagues.
This year, Karaulov is on the roster for BC Khimky Moscow in Superleague A. Though the games have yet to begin for the Russian team, we will keep you up-to-date as the season progresses.
Viktor Sankidze
This 18-year-old from the Republic of Georgia could very well go down as a steal for the Spurs. On Draft Night 2004, San Antonio acquired his rights from the Atlanta Hawks for a future second round draft pick and cash considerations. The Hawks selected Sanikidze with the 42nd pick in the second round.
The Spurs love his long term potential. He has impressive perimeter abilities with an effective jump shot and the skill to take his man off the dribble. Sanikidze will need to gain weight to be effective in the NBA, but the Spurs aren't going to rush him into the league.
This season Sanikidze is playing for Dijon in France's ProA League. Currently the team is 2-1 and the 6-foot-8 Sanikidze has seen limited action. In 13 minutes per game, Sanikidze is averaging 5.7 points on 67% field goal shooting.