USA - Seattle deal for Sene

SEATTLE (NBA) - The Seattle SuperSonics have signed teenage Senegalese center Saer Sene to a rookie contract.

Under the NBA's rookie scale, Sene will make 3.38 million US dollars in the first two years of the deal as the 10th overall pick in last month's draft. The Sonics hold club options for the next two years of the contract.

"We're glad to get him on board," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said of Sene.

"His participation in the summer league in Salt Lake City will give him a feel for the NBA and he can begin to get acclimated to the style of play."

Seattle have spent their last three first-round picks on centers, selecting Robert Swift directly out of high school in 2004 and taking France's Johan Petro last year.

The 6ft 11in Sene is considered a project and may be placed in the D-League.

He spent last season with Verviers-Pepinster in the top division in Belgium, averaging 3.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19 games.

Sene, 19, caught the attention of the NBA scouts in the 2006 Nike Hoop Summit, tallying 15 points, six rebounds and nine blocks in 27 minutes.

"With his ability to block shots and rebound, we hope he can give support to Robert Swift and Johan Petro to improve our defence in the paint," Sonics coach Bob Hill said.

PA Sport