CWOSSA News & Updates: October 24th

Qahwash Signs European Pro Contract

 Former Grand River Collegiate ('06) point guard Imad Qahwash is all smiles as he signs his first-ever pro basketball contract last week at home in Kitchener.

Qahwash, who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas this past year (Senior Season - 12.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.1 SPG), has signed with Spartak Vidnoye Moscowskaya Pro Club of the Russian Superleague.  

Although I'm no expert on European pro leagues, the Russian Superleague should prove to be a great fit and opportunity for Qahwash.  It is generally considered just under the Russian PBL in terms of the Russian basketball pyramid (the PBL features teams like CSKA Moscow, who have signed players like Andrei Kirelinko and Nenad Kristic during the current NBA lockout).

Qahwash noted on his blog that "(I) had passed on a couple offers in Europe one being in England because I didn’t want to settle.  It was tough to be patient and was definitely a process but in the end it all paid off."

Congratulations, Imad, and all the best with SVM!

Bankazo At Beacon Prep

According to an note I received from Barry Hayes (flagrantfouls.com), former St. Mary's ('11) guard Ben Bankazo is now attending Beacon Prep School in Atlanta, GA.

Bankazo noted on his Twitter feed that he has been playing well during his time down south, including this past weekend at a tournament where he "received a couple of D2 offers plus have Georgia State (NCAA D1) showing interest". 

Tri-County Attends Pittsburgh Tournament

The Tri-County AAU squad attended a prep tournament in Pittsburgh this past weekend.  The squad breezed through Saturday, going 3-0.  Sunday results (including a key game against a solid squad from Kiski Prep) were not immediately available.  Team members include:

Aleks Kaludjerovic (Centennial - Guelph/12)

Henry Bankazo (St. Mary's - Kitchener/12)

Paul Gubek (St. Mary's - Kitchener/12)

Cory Kenning (Resurrection - Kitchener/12)

Mike Pereira (Resurrection - Kitchener/12+)

Gondor Teny (Eastwood - Kitchener/12+)

Chuder Teny (Grand River - Kitchener/11)

Kristian Vande Kemp (JF Ross - Guelph/11)

Reid Giondi (CWDHS - Fergus/12+)

Serge Khayipangi (Centennial - Guelph/12+)

Kueth Geng (St. Benedict - Cambridge/12+)

Ben Morris (Bishop Mac - Guelph/11)