ANG - Morais eyes Spain's Liga Endesa, keeps NBA in mind

LUANDA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The professional future of Angolan international Carlos Morais may take him to Spain's Liga Endesa (ACB) or see him remain in Angola's BAI/Basket league after he spent the NBA training camp with the Toronto Raptors.

It has been nearly a month since the Raptors released the 28-year-old free-agent, and Morais says he is only analysing offers from Europe and Angolan clubs and will battle for a second chance to get in the NBA.

The 1.93m guard spent the entire pre-season with the Canadian franchise, scoring six points in 21 minutes of play across three games.

Morais last played club basketball for Angolan's Petro de Luanda, a club he would consider re-joining, but he may end up in Spain's ACB.

"My agent and I are studying some offers from Angolan clubs as well as Europeans. I am open to accept offers as long as it satisfies both parties," he told local media.

Spain's ACB league clearly is Morais's second preference after the NBA.

"It is a very competitive league and it allows any player to reach excellent performances. It is not accidental that it is rated second best in the world," Morais acknowledged.

The Angolan star says Real Madrid directors scouted him during his national team's training camp on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain (in August) prior to AfroBasket 2013.

"They showed interest in my services, but at the time there was no formal proposal," he recalled.

In early September, Morais joined the Raptors' training camp knowing he had to battle Julyan Stone and Chris Wright for one roster spot.

Eventually Stone made it to the final 15-man squad, but Morais insists he is not disappointed with the decision because he will try again next year.

But first, the Angolan is getting ready to show up at his best at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain where Angola will play for the fourth straight time after winning their 11th African championship last August in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

"I hope to reach the best of my form in order to help the national team at the world championship," Morais explained.

The former Petro de Luanda shooting guard was named the MVP in Abidjan, headlining the All-Tournament Team which also consisted of Assem Marei (Egypt), Maleye Ndoye (Senegal), Souleyman Diabate (Cote d'Ivoire) and Morais's countryman Eduardo Mingas.

FIBA