Former McDonald's All-American Big Man Signs with Storm
September 8, 2014 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Island Storm News Release
(Charlottetown, PE) To say Renardo Sidney had an illustrious high school basketball career might be an understatement. The 6'10", 290 lb center (with a 7'4" wingspan) from Jackson, Mississippi is the latest signing of the Island STORM of the NBL Canada.
As a senior at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Renardo Sidney averaged 26.5 points per game while grabbing 13.5 rebounds. His outstanding play in high school led to his selection to the famed high school McDonald's All-American Game, featuring no less than 9 current NBA players, where he scored 11 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Sidney was also invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, the 2nd most prestigious National High School All-Star game, where he earned Co-MVP honors with Derrick Favors, currently with the Utah Jazz of the NBA. Coming out of high school ESPN's top 100 prospects list had Sidney ranked 7th in the country and projected as an NBA Lottery Pick. He was also a member of the 2009 USA Basketball Jr Select team.
Sidney's college career took him to Mississippi State University where he put up solid numbers, averaging nearly 12 points per game and 6.5 rebounds shooting over 50% from the floor and 65% from the foul line in two years. However, some personal issues prevented him from reaching his projected full potential as a basketball player at the university and professional levels.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for both our franchise as well as for Renardo," says STORM Head Coach Joe Salerno. "He is an unbelievable talent, maybe the most talented we have ever had here. Obviously he has made some mistakes in the past, mistakes in which I believe he has not only learned from, but grown from. I have had the opportunity to chat with Renardo many times over the past couple of weeks and I am extremely confident in him and his ability to come in here and get to work. Renardo still has a shot of seeing his name on an NBA roster in the future but needs to take this opportunity to show the basketball world he has matured and is ready to compete at a high level for a full season. He could be the most dominant big man the NBL has seen and we are thrilled to have him. I am personally looking forward to working with him this season."
Coach Salerno went on to talk about Sidney's game, "He has a tremendous skill set for a guy of his size. He can knock down the 18 footer with ease, but also has a very good back to the basket game. He is a true inside/outside threat, something that will fit in very nicely with what we like to do offensively."
Meanwhile, Sidney had this to say about joining the STORM, "I would like to thank the Island Storms organization and the franchise for the opportunity and for giving me a second chance. Many have counted me out so I have worked hard since my last appearance to the basketball world to get where I need to be physically and mentally and I am very excited for everyone to see what I can bring to the organization. I would also like the thank god and thank family and friends for sticking by me and motivating me to get back to where I need to be. I have had a lot of ups and downs in the past two years but by the grace of God I can move forward and am able to say I am a better person and I will make an even better team mate."
Island STORM season ticket holders from last year are reminded they can now renew their STORM season tickets for the coming season at the box office at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.
Season ticket holders from last year have until Monday September 15th to renew their season tickets. Starting on the 16th all fans will have an opportunity to purchase season tickets to October 3rd. Single game tickets for STORM basketball will go on sale Monday October 6th.
For details on STORM tickets and purchases visit the Eastlink Centre Box Office, open Monday to Friday from 11am to 5pm or phone the box office at 902-629-6625.
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National Basketball League of Canada Stories from September 8, 2014
- Island Storm Season Ticket Renewals Now on Sale at Eastlink Centre - Island Storm
- Former McDonald's All-American Big Man Signs with Storm - Island Storm
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