The Maccabi Haifa professional basketball team, the Israeli Premier League runner-up, announced today they have signed guard Jason Rich, who played last season with Cantù In Italy's top division,to a one year contract.
Rich, 23, was a four-year starter and career-long double-figure scorer for Florida State University (FSU) from 2004-08. The 6-foot-3-inch guard tied the school record for games played with 129 and ranks third in school history with 106 career starts.
Rich, who finished his career ranked in the top 25 in 10 different statistical categories, averaged career-highs in points scored (14.5), assists (2.1), and steals (1.2) in 34 games played during his senior season with FSU.
Rich thrived in his first professional season overseas in Europe last season with Itay’s Pallacanestro Cantù in Serie A, where he averaged 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals and shot 39 percent from three-point range in 30 games played.
Rich, a native of Pensacola, Florida is the youngest of nine brothers and sisters
“We are very excited to sign Jason Rich because his situation reminds me a lot of Davon Jefferson’s,” said Maccabi Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen.
“Rich is a young player with rare athletic ability and impressive talent, who will be able to develop his skills in Haifa and improve our team.”
"Jason plays with a style that that I try to instill in the team, which is to play quick, athletic and defensive-minded,” said Coach Avi Ashkenazi.
“I am very happy with this signing and I believe Rich will have a significant impact on the team this season.”
Rich becomes the second American player to join Maccabi Haifa after the team re-signed superstar forward Davon Jefferson last week.
Source: www.mhbasket.co.il
