Bo's back! McCalebb pens deal with Bayern
MUNICH (Euroleague) - The man to have put on some electrifying performances for The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) and numerous teams in Europe, Bo McCalebb, is back in the limelight on the
MUNICH (Euroleague) - The man to have put on some electrifying performances for The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (MKD) and numerous teams in Europe, Bo McCalebb, is back in the limelight on the old continent.
The naturalized MKD star from New Orleans has signed for Euroleague strugglers Bayern Munich and will play for their renowned coach, Svetislav Pesic.
McCalebb, 29, will attempt to help Bayern overcome a 1-4 start to this season’s competition.
The German giants have five games to move into the top four of Group C and clinch a place in the Top 16.
They host FC Barcelona on Thursday.
McCalebb, a 1.78m guard who spent the past couple of seasons with Fenerbahce and has also shone for Partizan Belgrade and Montepaschi Siena in the Euroleague, said: "FC Bayern were the best choice for me and I’m ready to play.
"I like to play the game at a high tempo; I bring athleticism with me. I like to cover every inch of the court during a game, but I can also defend.
"I hope to bring these skills to the court with me for Bayern and help the team."
McCalebb is fast, has a strong upper body and possesses explosive leaping ability, qualities that are evident when he flies to the basket and takes on defenses.
The recipient of the 2012 Euroleague Alphonso Ford Top Scorer Trophy, McCalebb led Partizan into the 2010 Final Four and then provided a spark for Montepaschi as they made it to the end of season showpiece event the following year.
He is a two-time All-Euroleague Second Team selection.
McCalebb captured the imagination of international basketball fans while wearing the MKD shirt.
After becoming a citizen of the country in 2010, he averaged 23.5 points per game in qualifying and led MKD into EuroBasket.
In the Final Round in 2011, McCalebb averaged 21.4ppg while helping the national team to a fourth-place finish.
McCalebb also featured with MKD at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela, and at EuroBasket 2013 in Slovenia.
Bayern’s chief executive officer Marco Pesic, the former Germany international who is the son of coach Pesic, said: "As a result of injuries, we decided to bring someone in. It allows our injured players – Bryce Taylor, Anton Gavel and Paul Zipser – the chance to recover at their own pace and have the chance to return their old form without too much pressure.
"Bo was on the market and received our initial contact positively, which made it easier for us to confirm his signing.
"We are proud that a player of his quality has decided to sign for us."
FIBA