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Some talented young Caboverdeana-Americans and Caboverdeano-Americans are turning up in some rather unexpected places these days, places like Macau (China), Boston, Switzerland, and Portugal. And it is what they are doing in those places that, is gaining worldwide attention throughout the CV Diaspora, and beyond.
On several different levels of collegiate and professional basketball, including at the very pinnacle, CVs are becoming a force to be reckoned with. I’ve chosen 4 young women and 4 young men who each in their own ways represent this interesting development, and there certainly are more as well beyond the scope of this article but who nevertheless are also important and exciting to watch. And, there are most definitely more to come as talented young players develop, building on the earlier accomplishments of some listed here.
For more info, check out the article, 4 women, 4 men, changing the global face of CV basketball, which was posted by Dan Klotz in December of 2006.
There are some other very famous players who are from Cape Verde: Dana Barros (NBA, retired, former NBA All-Star) and Ryan Gomes (Boston Celtics,Providence College All-American) For a small island nation, that’s a lot of famous players! Dana Barros played for the Celtics. Gomes was a PC All-American, Celtics All-Rookie, as is now a 2nd year starter.
Mario Correia was the top scorer for the Cape Verde National Team, leading the squad to a Bronze medal in the first ever Lusophone games in Macau, China, October 2006. The Lusophone games were an international competition between countries who speak Portuguese, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, East Timor, and others. Coverage of the games, by Dan Klotz, is availabe at: www.CaboVerdeOnline.com. The official games website is: www.macau2006.org.
Pawtucket native, and former St. Raphael’s star and multiple All-state selection and state champion, Jeff Xavier, has continued his career at the highest level of college basketball. After a star stint at Manhattan college, including an upset win over Maryland in the post season NIT play, Jeff transferred to powerhouse Providence College. Ineligible to play until the 2006 - 2007 season, when Jeff suits up for the Friars and hits the court, he is likely to quickly become a Big East star. For more on Jeff, including career stats and a bio, go to the PC website at: www.providence.edu. To ead an article on Jeff, click here.
Ryan Gomes, the Providence College All-American and all-time leading scorer, has become an established NBA star, as he was named to the All-Rookie team after 2004 - 2005 season, earning a starting spot with the legendary Boston Celtics. The Cape-Verdean American, a Connecticut native, may well be on his way to NBA superstardom.
Shannon Perry, shown here with Dan Klotz during the 2006 SuperMarioCamp, a star basketball player for Bryant University during the 2004-2005 season, is now playing professional basketball in Switzerland! A multi-year star at national DI powerhouse Syracuse University, Shannon transferred to DII Bryant to play a final year of eligibility while working toward an MBA. Shannon’s pro team is in the highest among several of the professional leagues in Switzerland, and she currently leads her team in scoring with 20 ppg., and her LEAGUE in rebounds at over 12 per game.
