ESP - Tau add Roe to roster

VITORIA (ACB) - Tau Ceramica have strengthened their roster ahead of the ACB play-offs with the signing of vastly-experienced forward Lou Roe.

The 34-year-old American, who counts the likes of Caja San Fernando, Etosa Alicante and Unicaja Malaga among his former employers in Spain, has joined until the end of the season.

"I am very happy to come here," said Roe, who also represented NBA sides the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors.

"This (Tau) is a high-quality team and I have come here with the intention of helping out and using my experience. I know that I can work well.

Roe spent last season at Spanish second division side Palma Aqua Magica, who reached the LEB play-offs before being knocked out by Climalia Leon at the
quarter-final stage over the weekend.

Of his memories of playing at Tau's Buesa Arena, Roe said: "I remember it was very difficult to play here. The supporters are very tough and the organisation of the club is fantastic."

Tau's opponents in the ACB play-off quarter-finals are Roe's former club Unicaja Malaga, the reigning Spanish champions who swept Tau 3-0 in last year's final.

Tau appear to have the momentum this time around though, as they finished the regular season in top spot while Unicaja could only claim the eighth and final play-off berth following an inconsistent campaign.

"Unicaja have had bad luck this season, but they are a very tough team," said Roe.

"In these play-offs we must think about each game one by one, this is a different phase to the regular season."

The first match of the best-of-three quarter-final will be hosted by Tau on Friday.

Mike Perez
FIBA