* Ed Cota has been training in Lithuania, and has played several
"friendlies" for Zalgiris Kaunas. He posted a double-double of 16 points
and 10 rezultatyvûs perdavimai (yep, that's what they call assists) in
a recent game, a 93-68 victory.
* Kris Lang was the 31st-pick in last week's CBA Draft by the Rockford
(IL) Lightning.
Following the draft, Lightning coach Chris Daleo told the Rockford
Register Star he expects Lang to continue to play overseas (Poland) this
year, and considers the former Tar Heel as a pick "to bolster the team's
future. If he comes back in a year and wants to play, I figure how can
you go wrong with 6-11, and North Carolina seems pretty solid to me."
On Saturday, Lang made his Polish league (PLK) debut for Anwil Wloclawek
and scored 10 points (3-8 FG, 4-6 FT) during 15 minutes in an 84-56
victory.
* Ademola Okulaja is back in Spain's ACB league for the 3rd straight year,
with his third team, this time he's with Unicaja Malaga.
Talking to the Malaga press corps for the first time last week, Okulaja
offered his opinions on the following subjects:
On his new city and team: "I am very happy to be here [Unicaja Malaga].
Unicaja is a great team. I have only been here three or four days, and I
like the city, the team, the coach, everything."
On his role: "I am a versatile player. I can play the 4 (PF), but also
the 3 (SF) depending on my defender or the opponent I have to defend.
The system here allows me to play inside, but also to go outside the
zone when I want. I can contribute intensity and defense. Although, I
believe the best thing would be to ask the coach. I will always try to
do what the coach asks of me."
On his expectations: "The atmosphere is very good here. Everyone is
committed and that is very impressive. I have already played in Spain
with Girona, and then last year with Barcelona, and the truth is that it
is exciting to play with as many people as possible in the arena."
The ACB regular season begins on Saturday.