Bullets sign Ere
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 09:33 AM
NBL, Brisbane Bullets
The Brisbane Bullets have announced the signing of exciting shooting guard Ebi Ere for the upcoming 2006/07 Philips Championship Season.
Ere, 25, has already tasted ultimate basketball success in Australia after playing for the Sydney Kings during their 2003/04 NBL Championship campaign. His return to Australia sees the Bullets gain an athletically gifted scorer, capable of electrifying games and providing a difficult match-up for opponents.
Following his initial NBL stint, Ere honed his game in the ABA and USBL leagues in the United States. His most recent professional contract was in Europe where he completed a strong 2005-2006 season in the Liege Basket (Belgian Division 1) averaging 15 points, three rebounds and 74 per cent free throw shooting over a 30 game season - his team reaching the Semi-Finals.
The foundation for Ere's burgeoning professional career was built during his college days competing in the tough Big 12 Conference. Attending highly-respected Oklahoma University, Ere completed his collegiate career in 2003 with strong averages of 14 points and five rebounds per game.
The 196 cm and 97 kg guard has good size at his position, and joins a robust backcourt which includes CJ Bruton, Mick Hill and Adam Gibson. Star Steve Black is recovering from an operation to his leg and will return during the season, with a date yet to be confirmed.
BreakFree Bullets General Manager Jeff Van Groningen became aware of Ere's potential availability when in the United States during the off-season. Ere and Van Groningen met in Nevada where the player was seen, first-hand, over the course of a week of work-outs.
"We're obviously very pleased to be able to bring another well-credentialed player to the Bullets organisation. Ebi is a quality player and person, extremely motivated and driven to succeed. He'll be joining a club that shares that motivation," Van Groningen said.
The timing was perfect to be able to spend some time with Ebi in the U.S, and the way things have fallen into place from there, the guy's desire to get back to Australia instead of head back to Europe, it's all been exciting to be part of. I think it'll be great to have him back in our League, and I know our fans will welcome him warmly", Van Groningen stated.
Ere, who hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but holds a Nigerian passport and heritage, will compete for Nigeria at the upcoming World Championships in Japan, beginning August 19th. His presence at basketball's peak world tournament brings to four the number of players the Bullets have in Tokyo - with Mackinnon, Bruton and Boucher committed to play for Australia and New Zealand, respectively.
BreakFree Bullets Head Coach Joey Wright believes his national team players, including Ere, will benefit greatly from the international competition in Japan. "The opportunity to play against the world's greatest players, including NBA names, gives these players the chance to improve their personal skills and also ensures they return to us in great game shape. While it's inconvenient to not have them around for part of the pre-season, it will have plenty of upside for us." Wright said.
Ere will arrive in Brisbane following the conclusion of Nigeria's commitments at the World Championships.
"The latest that Ebi, CJ, Sam and Dillon will be joining us will be September 5th, but it could be a little earlier. It obviously depends on the progression through the tournament of the various teams they represent", Van Groningen concluded.
http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=3706
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 09:33 AM
NBL, Brisbane Bullets
Ere, 25, has already tasted ultimate basketball success in Australia after playing for the Sydney Kings during their 2003/04 NBL Championship campaign. His return to Australia sees the Bullets gain an athletically gifted scorer, capable of electrifying games and providing a difficult match-up for opponents.
Following his initial NBL stint, Ere honed his game in the ABA and USBL leagues in the United States. His most recent professional contract was in Europe where he completed a strong 2005-2006 season in the Liege Basket (Belgian Division 1) averaging 15 points, three rebounds and 74 per cent free throw shooting over a 30 game season - his team reaching the Semi-Finals.
The foundation for Ere's burgeoning professional career was built during his college days competing in the tough Big 12 Conference. Attending highly-respected Oklahoma University, Ere completed his collegiate career in 2003 with strong averages of 14 points and five rebounds per game.
The 196 cm and 97 kg guard has good size at his position, and joins a robust backcourt which includes CJ Bruton, Mick Hill and Adam Gibson. Star Steve Black is recovering from an operation to his leg and will return during the season, with a date yet to be confirmed.
BreakFree Bullets General Manager Jeff Van Groningen became aware of Ere's potential availability when in the United States during the off-season. Ere and Van Groningen met in Nevada where the player was seen, first-hand, over the course of a week of work-outs.
"We're obviously very pleased to be able to bring another well-credentialed player to the Bullets organisation. Ebi is a quality player and person, extremely motivated and driven to succeed. He'll be joining a club that shares that motivation," Van Groningen said.
The timing was perfect to be able to spend some time with Ebi in the U.S, and the way things have fallen into place from there, the guy's desire to get back to Australia instead of head back to Europe, it's all been exciting to be part of. I think it'll be great to have him back in our League, and I know our fans will welcome him warmly", Van Groningen stated.
Ere, who hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but holds a Nigerian passport and heritage, will compete for Nigeria at the upcoming World Championships in Japan, beginning August 19th. His presence at basketball's peak world tournament brings to four the number of players the Bullets have in Tokyo - with Mackinnon, Bruton and Boucher committed to play for Australia and New Zealand, respectively.
BreakFree Bullets Head Coach Joey Wright believes his national team players, including Ere, will benefit greatly from the international competition in Japan. "The opportunity to play against the world's greatest players, including NBA names, gives these players the chance to improve their personal skills and also ensures they return to us in great game shape. While it's inconvenient to not have them around for part of the pre-season, it will have plenty of upside for us." Wright said.
Ere will arrive in Brisbane following the conclusion of Nigeria's commitments at the World Championships.
"The latest that Ebi, CJ, Sam and Dillon will be joining us will be September 5th, but it could be a little earlier. It obviously depends on the progression through the tournament of the various teams they represent", Van Groningen concluded.
http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&aid=3706
