Jeff Xavier, the Pawtucket, RI native, a Cape-Verdean American and the newest member of the Cape Verde National Team, has signed his 1st pro contract. Xavier will play in Spain, on the same team as Joao Gomes, a former member of the Cape Verde team who has had tryouts with several NBA teams, including the Boston Celtics. Congratulations, Jeff, and best wishes!
Xavier, a 6′1″ shooting guard who has been described as a ‘pure shooter’ by college and pro coaches, was a star first at Manhattan College and later Providence College. At Providence College, he was a 2-year starter who averaged in double figures in scoring, and was known to be deadly from 3 point range. An aggressive player with incredible court sense and knowledge of the game, Xavier has led Cape Verde in scoring during 2 major international tournaments. His per-game average of 21.5 points per game during the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Athens, Greece, last year, was second only to the NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki of Germany.
Since graduating from Providence College in 2008, this Spanish league contract represents his first pro experience, the first step in what is anticipated to be a lengthy and impressive professional career.
Good luck, Jeff, and good luck Cape Verde!
