First Round Draft Pick Signed by Storm
Published on October 8, 2013 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Island Storm News Release
The Island Storm have announced they have signed their first-round draft pick from this year's 2013 NBLC Draft, pending FIBA clearance.
Butler University's Shawn Vanzant will be joining the Storm when they open training camp on October 16.
The Storm, who had the 9th pick (overall) in the first round of this year's NBLC draft, selected the 6'1", 175 lbs Guard out of Tampa, Fla.
Storm Head Coach Joe Salerno says the team was excited to sign a player who comes from such a decorated collegiate ball career.
" Shawn is a very talented player who can step in and play either guard position. In my opinion, he was by far one of the top all-around players at this year's pre-draft combine. I was surprised and thrilled when he was still on the board when we picked 9th in the first round. Not many people can say they played in back to back National Championship games in college. Shawn came from a tremendous program at Butler where he was a key contributor all four years there. I think any player that had the opportunity to play under a coach like Brad Stevens for four years is certainly going to understand how to play the game. We think Shawn will be able to step in and pick up the pro-style game very quickly. He is very athletic for his size and has a great basketball IQ. He was a great pick for us late in the first round."
Vanzant spent four years at Butler University playing for newly-named Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens. He was a key contributor for the Bulldogs in their back to back NCAA Final Four Championship Game appearances in 2010 (loss vs Duke) and 2011 (loss vs UConn). Vanzant saw action in 132 of his 136 games while playing for Coach Stevens, earning a starring role in his senior season. He had 5 points and 8 rebounds for the Bulldogs in the National Final against UConn.
In his senior year, Vanzant averaged 8.1 points, 3.2 points, and 1.7 assists per game, while shooting 42% from the 3-point line.
Vanzant played professionally in 2011-2012 in Finalnd for Korihait Uusikaupunki, where he averaged 13 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. This past season, Vanzant was drafted 62nd overall by the Springfield Armor of the NBA D-League in 2012. Although his season was cut short by a sprained knee, Vanzant played 11 games for the Armor, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 14.3 minutes of play.
The Storm continue their tradition of Intra-Squad action during their annual training camp - the team has announced that a game will be held on Saturday, October 19 at Westisle Composite High School, and another on Wednesday, October 23 at Morell Regional High School.
Storm Announce "School Pride Zone"
The Island Storm announce a new "School Pride Zone" for all home games during the 2013-2014 season.
Storm players will be visiting various schools across Prince Edward Island when training camp begins - and they'll be handing out ticket vouchers for students for the newly-designated "School Pride Zone" at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown.
Designed to engage youth across the Province, the tickets will be complimentary for students with the purchase of one adult or senior regular priced ticket.
Got an event you'd like the Storm at?
Email us to book today!
info@stormbasketball.ca
Single game tickets for Island Storm 2013-2014 on sale NOW!
Pick up single game OR season tickets at the Eastlink Centre box office, Monday-Friday, 11-5, at 46 Kensington Road, Charlottetown. Season tickets are also available by calling 902-629-6625.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from October 8, 2013
- Mississauga Power Training Camp Has Begun - Mississauga Power
- Mill Rats Add More Fire Power to Front Court - Saint John Riptide
- First Round Draft Pick Signed by Storm - Island Storm
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