Razorbacks Sign African Centre

Posted: Mon Sep 7, 1998 at 1:46 PM ET

West Sydney Razorbacks today completed their jigsaw puzzle with the signing of a giant Central African and Newcastle Falcons were purchased by a Melbourne-based firm to stay in the national basketball league. Ernest Nzigamasabo, a 29-year-old 208cm centre from the Central African republic of Burundi but with experience in the United States, Japan and Malaysia, has signed a one-year contract with the Razorbacks. Coach Gordie McLeod made a hurried trip recently to the NSW central coast where Nzigamasabo had been playing in the State League for the past six months. "I received a call from a player who said the big man had the ability to play in the NBL and this was proved by two quiet training sessions in Sydney," said McLeod. "Everyone was thinking of an overseas import from the United States and we had this man practically sitting on our doorstep. "The feedback from the United States about his game was very positive and he fills the last piece of the puzzle which will now allow us to complete preparation for the league."

Nzigamasabo, the third in a family of eight children, has been averaging 20 points and 14 rebounds in the State league and will step out for the first time with Wests in a trial match on Sunday against Illawarra. He played for five years with the University of Minnesota, spent two years in Japan and six months in Malaysia as player-coach before switching to the central coast. "I have had very little knowledge of Australia, apart from its location, but have watched tapes of the national league," said Nzigamasabo. "It seems a tough competition with good teams and I intended to wait until next season to trial if I hadn't been approached by any clubs."

*This article taken directly from the AAP