By Rafal Juc

 

After very successful year spanish forward Sebastian Saiz (’94) has decided to leave Asefa Estudianes and is already in the United States, where is preparing to make a debut in season 2012/13 with his new team, Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas. 

6-9 power forward spent last year playing for Asefa Estudiantes farm team in EBA league. In 27 games Saiz was averaging 5.1 points and 3.6 rebounds in 12:17 minutes per game. He was also very important piece of Spanish U18 national team, which in April won competitive Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Manheim. However it was only preparation for European Championship U18, where Saiz was major frontcourt option alongside to Willy Hernangomez (’94) and Ilimane Diop (’95). Although Spaniards surprisingly lost 56:58 to Russia in quarterfinal, they achieved main goal, which was promotion to next summer’s World Championship U19 in Czech Republic. Estudiantes’ forward had 6.6 points as well as 5.4 rebounds and impressed scouts with his athleticism.

Saiz - as the only member of Spanish U18 NT - has decided to continue his basketball development abroad and has already moved to Wichita, Kansas, where is going to play in upcoming season for Sunrise Christian Academy. “I always had in mind that I wanted to play in the NCAA, but only this year I took it seriously. My expectations are to continue improving as a player, keep working and continue my studies in college playing next season in NCAA” - he tells in interview to frombasket.com.

“With Asefa Entudiantes I have many and only good memories, not only from last season, but from all the years I was there. Magarinos is my home. I learned there how to play basketball and endured this years, which wasn’t easy (laugh). Leaving all my friends hurts me the most” - explains Saiz.

 

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc

 

Photo: FIBA Europe/Robertas Dackus