SkyHawks Acquire Kong for Johnson in Swap of Top Picks
October 28, 2013 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Ottawa SkyHawks News Release
OTTAWA - The Ottawa SkyHawks today announced that they have acquired forward Bol Kong from the Mississauga Power in exchange for guard Alex Johnson.
The Power selected Kong, a 6-8 Vancouver native, with the fourth pick in the 2013 National Basketball League (NBL) of Canada draft, while the SkyHawks took Johnson with the No. 1 overall pick.
"We are very fortunate as a team to have three talented point guards, and with Alex and it really came down to a numbers game for us," said SkyHawks head coach Kevin Kealthley. "With Alex going to the Power and Bol coming to us in the trade it will allow both teams to fulfill an immediate need. It's a win/win scenario for all parties involved."
Kong comes to the nation's capital after attending training camp with the Power and appearing in the club's lone preseason game, a 115-107 setback at home to the SkyHawks on Oct. 24.
Kong spent the 2011-12 season with the St. FX X-Men (CIS) playing in 14 games and posting averages of 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds.
In 2009-10, Kong suited up for the Gonzaga Bulldogs (NCAA Division I), seeing action in 31 games off the bench, and averaging 4.5 points per contest including a career-high 14 in a win over Oklahoma.
He returned north of the border for the 2010-11 campaign, leading the Northern Alberta IT Ooks of the Canadian College Athletics Association (CCAA) to the provincial Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) title while posting a team-high 17.5 points per game during the regular season.
Johnson joins the Power after spending one season with the N.C. State Wolfpack (NCAA Division I), averaging 4.4 points and playing in 37 games en route to the school's appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
"We are very thankful as a team for all of Alex's hard work & dedication to the SkyHawks franchise on and off the court," added Keathley. "We feel Alex will have an opportunity to play a major role within their team's dynamics. I wish Alex the best in the future. He is a tremendous basketball talent but his character outshines all the basketball qualities he possesses."
Kong and the SkyHawks will take to the Canadian Tire Centre hardwood for the first regular-season game in franchise history this Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at www.ottawaskyhawks.com/
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from October 28, 2013
- Bonneau Brought Back - Windsor Express
- Power Adds Another #1 Draft Pick - Mississauga Power
- SkyHawks Acquire Kong for Johnson in Swap of Top Picks - Ottawa SkyHawks
- Dynamic Forward Returns to Port City - Saint John Riptide
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