After years of watching and aggressively recruiting the best international post player in FibaEurope 2012 class, Pam Borton is feeling like the luckiest coach alive. The 6'5 incredible talent of Sweden, Amanda Zahui (aka: Za Za), has decided to continue her hoops career at the University of Minnesota. Numerous top universities as well as high level European pro teams have been tracking this player for several years. She has proven herself year after year and now will spend her future with the Gophers of Minnesota. The Gophers seem to be on a mission aiming to get back to the NCAA Final Four, like they did when they had super players such as Janelle McCarville and Lindsey Whalen. Pam Borton now has a key piece to try and complete that mission.
The Big 10 has seen its day with great post players. ZaZa is a versatile post player who will grind on the block, but also step out and shoot the long ball! Congratulations to Pam Borton and the Minnesota Gophers. Big 10 get ready!!!
WiWi says Yes to South Carolina Gamecocks!
It's official Wilka "WiWi" Montout has made her choice to attend the University of South Carolina. After an incredible 2 year career at Northeastern Oklahoma junior college, where she was coached by the great leader Jim Rowland, Wi has now decided to become a Gamecock of South Carolina. Montout 6'5 glass-slapping, Juco-All American from French Guiana, was the most saught after post player this season. She brought college coaches from all points and directions. She is a player that can do it all. She has a serious post presence, but also has the ability to step out and shoot the ball. Wi also has proven the ability to put it on the floor.
Head Coach Dawn Staley, now brings a great weapon to the already high powered offense South Carolina Gamecocks. Montout made her decision for South Carolina over Tennessee, Virginia, Arkansas, just to name a few. Congratulations Staley and WiWi Montout.
Robert Morris PA Goes Italiano...Ashley Ravelli Commits
Italian guard Ashley Ravelli, who has spent the past 2 seasons with the Hun School in Princeton, NJ commits to Robert Morris PA.
Ashley, a guard who can steady and command the floor decided that Robert Morris and Coach Sal Buscaglia were the right fit. Ravelli a stellar student athlete also played with her Italian national team during the Fiba Europe u18 Championships 2011. Ravelli looks to control the floor and tempo for Robert Morris the 2012-13 campaign.
Coach Sal Buscaglia is no stranger to international recruiting and players. Buscaglia has had incredible success over the past 15 years with international players decorating the roster. Several of Buscaglia's players have gone on to exciting professional careers. Good luck Ashley and congratulations to you both. JUST ANOTHER "PASSION HOOPS INTERNATIONAL" dream fullfilled!!!
South Florida Gets Laura Marcos of Spain
South Florida has signed point guard Laura Marcos of Salamanca, Spain. Laura is as steady as they come. The effective point guard scores with the best of them. She chose USF because of their strong basketball and academic presence. Laura believes she will be a great contributor to USF. Laura, comes from Salamanca, Spain where basketball, especially women's basketball, is at the top of the list. She has been taught the game very well, and has a strong IQ for the game. A very talented player with many skills, Laura will be heard in the Big East Conference!
Romanian Cristina Bigica Signs with Marquette!!!
6ft 1inch Incredible athletic talent, Cristina Bigica from Romania, has signed a National Letter of Intent with Marquette University. Marquette participates in the Big East Conference, has competed against top powerhouses throughout the NCAA Division 1 level.
Bigica, is a very skilled player with many capabilities. Her ability to handle the ball in transition, score and defend in all positions will make her a household name within the Big East Conference. Coach Terri Mitchell, has grabbed a nugget from Europe. Bigica, was the MVP during the Fiba u18 European Championships Div B 2010. Her Romanian team won the championship. Congratulations to Cristina Bigica, Romania and Marquette.
Louisville Officially Signs French PG!!! Esther Monny Niamke signs NLI
Esther Monny Niamke a high ranking PG of France has officially signed her National Letter of Intent with Louisville Cardinals (Big East Conference). Niamke committed to Louisville in February 2011. She has confirmed her Letter of Intent signing with the Cardinals of Louisville.
Louisville, already a national powerhouse amongst NCAA Division 1 programs, has just added unmatched speed to their campaign. Niamke is one of the quickest and skilled guards in all of Europe. She has a very strong body that will be able to take on the physical Big East play. Niamke can find players in traffic as well as get to the rim. Louisville has proven to be a solid 3 point shooting team, and Niamke now adds someone who can get the ball where it needs to go all the time. She is no stranger to the 3 point shot either, which makes her even more impressive.
Congrats Monny and Louisville Cardinals (Big East Conf. and National Top 25 Powerhouse team).
Vanloo Says "Iowa State for me"!!! Belgian signs with Iowa State
One of Europe's top guards, Julie Vanloo-Belgium, has decided to sign a national letter of intent with Iowa State.
The combo guard will light up the Big 12, with her vast array of moves. She can play either position 1 or 2, and has been likened to WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon. Vanloo, was a big priority for pro teams as well as several top NCAA universities. Iowa State should suit Vanloo very well, as the Cyclones have produced several WNBA draft picks at her position.
Vanloo, is an incredible athlete, who performed excellent for her country during the 2010 U17 World Championships. Belgium has every reason to be proud of their young guard. Vanloo will continue to make a big name for herself and her country. Belgium has done a marvelous job over the past 2 years growing their talented youth.
Congrats to Vanloo and Iowa State (a top 25 NCAA Division 1 program).
Sabina Oroszova-Slovakia Heading to Eastern Illinois
Congrats to Sabina Oroszova a 6'2 incredible all around player from Slovakia and key member of the national team. She has committed to Eastern Illinois of the Ohio Valley Conference. Oroszova is a solid player who can play both on the inside and outside. She has a variety of skills that will be able to help Eastern Illinois at the NCAA division 1 level. Eastern Illinois is a very athletic team and with the skill set Sabina has she will surely only improve whats already there. OVC get ready Eastern Illinois definitely picked up a great one! Oroszova bypassed several "bcs" level programs to feel more at home with Eastern Illinois. Congratulations to both!
Romania Alex Ionescu says Minnesota!
University of Minnesota gets the committment from a solid international guard. Romanian Alexandra Ionescu has decided she will be spending her days in the Big 10 Conference, with the University of Minnesota. She was a member of the Romanian national team, that won the 2010 FibaEurope div B u18 championships. She is also a reserve for the senior national team.
The smooth cool hand Ionescu, will look to stroke it from deep with Minnesota's other top 2011 recruit(s). The Big 10 Conference just got a bit more exciting, with Alex stepping on the scene. The Gophers have opened up their recruiting to international waters. The Gophers are no strangers to international talent. During their Final Four run Minnesota had one of the top youth players (Kadidja Andersson-Sweden). The international power forward help the Gophers do great things in the Big 10. Lets keep an eye on the Gophers.
French Point Guard Commits To Louisville
French point guard sensation, of the 2011 graduating class, chooses to play in the Big East. Monny Esther Niamke a.k.a. Young Monny-Rose, has decided to play her collegiate basketball at University of Louisville. Niamke, was one of the most saught after point guards in the 2011 class. Universities from Big East, Big 10, Pac-10, SEC , ACC along with high guality mid majors came beckoning the services of Niamke. The aggressive French speedster has a wonderful strong frame built for high level division 1 collegiate basketball. The Big East just got a lot faster with Niamke around. Try not to blink, you may miss it!
SLOVENIJA TJASA "TJ" GORTNAR SIGNS WITH GEORGIA TECH!!!
The long awaited signing of the Slovenian power forward, Tjasa Gortnar, is now confirmed! Tjasa "TJ" Gortnar a 6'2 multi purpose forward joing the Georgia Tech women's basketball team by signing a National Letter of Intent November 10th. Tjasa signed the scholarship papers in her beloved town of Kranj, Slovenia.
Tjasa is excited about the opportunity to come to Georgia Tech and play in the ACC. TJ, has spent the past years creating a big name for herself in Europe. TJ is one of the finest players in her position not only in Europe but also in the world. The Collegiate Basektball Report ranked TJ at #10 in the 2011 high school graduating class. TJ will make a name for herself no doubt in the NCAA. She is a tireless worker and will lay it all on the line for the team. TJ has a great array of skills and and talents in numerous areas of the floor. The ACC is going to know who she is before her term is finished at Georgia Tech!!!
Slovenian Stud commits to Georgia Tech
WELL WISHES TO 2 INCREDIBLE PLAYERS!
Passion Hoops International could not be more happier doing the job that we do. We discover players and help them discover their opportunity. Our "passion" is always someone's "opportunity"... thats what we believe.
A big good luck and well wishes to 2 players that were discovered and introduced to the United States collegiate scene. The first is Jelena Cerina (Srbija), who came into the USA to play junior college basketball. Cerina has torn the myth that European players should not come to junior college as it will not be successful. Well this was not the case. Jelena learned to improve her speed and strength at NEO (Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College), under Jim Rowland. She played 2 seasons and was one of the better players in the NJCAA 1 level. Jelena was given so much exposure to big universities. Her performance gave her the ability to be recognized by powerhouse University of Oklahoma, coached by Cherie Coale. Oklahoma is proud to have her and feels she will be a great addition to the program. Oklahoma played in the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Final Four. This is a great proof that international players can have an opportunity. http://www.soonersports.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/cerina_jelena00.html
http://ouinsider.com/news/story.php?article=4550
The second player who was is and so well known in FIBAEurope youth championships and as a player with incredible potential, is Avigiel Cohen (Israel). The incredible 6'ft point guard, is known for her flare and amazing playmaking. Cohen signed for a scholarship at one of the top premier unversities in the NCAA. Cohen decided for University of California, Berkely (Cal Bears). Avigiel, despite being injured at the present moment, will have a big impact on a team that needs a point guard. Avigel always had a dream and ambition to play in the USA. She simply refused to let anything stand in the way of her goals and dreams. She was actually born in Los Angeles (USA), but moved to Israel. Avigiel, who is an exceptional student decided for Cal Berkely due to its high level academics and tradition in basketball.
http://www.calbears.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/051910aaa.html
http://www.calbears.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/cohen_avigiel00.html
Once again Passion Hoops International congratulates these 2 players on their commitments to a new career. We also want to wish them the best in their first NCAA seasons. All the best from the Passion Hoops International- and global community Jelena and Avigiel.
Congratulations u16 Fiba Europe Players
Fiba Europe u16 players put on a great showing. Division A was championed by Russia, but what a great revelation and showing Croatia as well as Netherlands put on. Both Croatia and Netherlands teams fought until the end and excited the u16 event with dazzling individual talent as well as team play.
Of course how can we ever forget teams like Spain, Belgium and definitely France. All the players of each team really put their heart and soul into this championship. As always we like to give special respect to those players who really highlighted this event with their skill and play...
Olivia Epoupa -France, Kourtney Treffers (NED), Natasa Kovacevic (SRB), Anna Schchetina (RUS), Lana Packovski (CRO) were all of course named by FIBA as all tournament players..
Passion Hoops International -U16 Special Note list
Anna Marie Begic (CRO), Antonia Deleare (BEL), Elene Del Alfredo (ESP), Pauline Hersler (SWE), Valerie Ayayi(FRA),
Adrijanna Cvitkovic (CRO), Erica Reggiani (ITA), Merve Aydin (TUR), Tereza Vyralova(CZECH), Ruzika Dzankic (CRO), Irene Gari (ESP), Marles Balart (ESP), Hind Ben Abdelkader (BEL)....
Passion Hoops again says congratulations and way to play in the 2010 u16 Fiba Europe Event.
*Passion Hoops International- the #1 International Scouting Company that is dedicated to helping young international women basketball players achieve their dreams of playing in the USA. Sign up and register for free.
Great Job Players!!!
Congratulations is in order to each and every player who participated in the 1st ever FIBA World Championship U17, 2010. The players all participated with great passion and sportsmanship. The talent at the event was surely above and beyond what many thought.
As usual Passion Hoops International has been all over the world to recognize many of the best players who surely have a future with basketball. Many players have different goals and aspirations. Many of you wish to play in USA, and some may decide to move on to professional. No matter what your desire and goals may be just know that Passion Hoops International is one of your fans.
Many great college and university programs from the USA attended the event. The overall impression from the universities seem to be very exciting. Coaches are going home with many international players in their mind. Passion Hoops International is a leader in providing these colleges with reports from around the globe. We always welcome your questions and comments regarding this possible transition.
Until the next event Passion Hoops always believes "Our Passion Is Your Opportunity".
Passion Hoops International
Toulouse 7/25/10
Passion Hoops International Opens
A wonderful start to what has been long awaited in women`s college basketball. The opening of what is sure to be the #1 source for information linking young international players to colleges in the USA, Passion Hoops International finally opens. The name of the company says it all. Passion is about "love for creating opportunity"! Passion was founded by well accomplished international pro scout(NBA/WNBA), former NCAA division 1 coach, and current WNBA advance scout Daniel Prince. Prince has a long history and dedicates his career to the international community of sport. No country has been to big or too small for Prince. He is a humanitarian of international sport. Passion is about opening the door to success in women`s basketball. We want every young player to know of the opportunities in USA colleges/universities and even prep/high schools can present. There are so many universities and other levels that present opportunities for young international players. All players should take time to register and connect with Passion Hoops if they dream and desire that opportunity. Unlike other services that help young players come to college, Passion Hoops is FREE to register. Also a major key difference is Prince has direct coaching and recruiting experience as wells as first hand knowledge of NCAA and other basketball levels within the USA.
Prince is already well known and trusted amongst college coaches because of his knowledge about the different levels exist in USA basketball. Numerous coaches were long awaiting the opening of Passion Hoops, a true scouting service that gives coaches a detailed report about the players ability. Prince`s knowledge of international basketball and players have helped numerous top universities in the NCAA.
Take time to register now and best to you this 2010 summer! Passion Hoops will be watching you!
"Our Passion Is Your Opportunity"!!!