New Mexico Thunderbird Signs Deal to Play for Spain
July 12, 2010 - NBA G League (G League)
New Mexico Thunderbirds News Release
Rio Rancho, NM July 12th, 2010 - The announcement came late Friday evening that Chad Toppert signed a 1-year contract that will allow him to play for Spain following his commitment to the German National Team. The contract also has a team-option for a second year.
Toppert earned an invite to play for Germany following his league-leading 48% shooting from the 3-point line in his D-League rookie season, but the dream didn't stop there as he was able to sign with Spain for the coming season.
"I've been in Albuquerque my whole life, so this is a great opportunity to venture out and have some new experiences" Toppert explained. "But, I am definitely not opposed to coming back to the United States if the chance is there for me to play. I played for some great coaches; Darvin Ham was wonderful and (former) head coach John Coffino was an amazing teacher of the game."
Thunderbirds owner Jackie Bregman said "Chad is a great player and we are all proud to have seen him play here in Albuquerque. It is always fun to see a hometown player make a name for himself nationally."
Toppert averaged 11.1 points in 28.2 MPG and shot 45.8 percent from the field. The international game focuses more on shooting and basketball IQ than the US game does, and those happen to be two of the best attributes to Toppert's game. "I think my game will translate well in Europe because I understand the game. I am a student of basketball, not just a player of basketball... so I think that will help make the transition easier for me."
While Toppert one day hopes to play in the NBA, he is concentrating on improving his overall game and representing his family heritage by playing for Germany. The ACB is Spain's highest league and features NBA draft pick Ricky Rubio of the Regal FC Barcelona and former NBA players Juan Carlos Navarro and Juan Dixon.
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