Former Wittenberg Men’s Basketball All-American Daniel Russ Signs Contract With Dutch Team
Four years after arriving on Wittenberg University’s campus as something of a basketball “project,” Louisville, Ky.-native Daniel Russ, class of 2006, is once again viewed as a man with intriguing potential.
Dan Russ
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Four years after arriving on Wittenberg University's campus as something of a basketball "project," Louisville, Ky.-native Daniel Russ, class of 2006, is once again viewed as a man with intriguing potential.
Russ, a 6-foot-9 post player, led the Tigers to heights the program hadn't seen in more than a decade during his phenomenal collegiate career. After signing a guaranteed contract for the 2006-07 season with Woon!Aris, a professional basketball team based in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, Russ has been labeled "Mr. Upside" in a Web site press release.
If history is any guide, Russ will more than live up to that hopeful descriptor.
"Wittenberg has been a great place for me to elevate my game," said Russ, a two-time first-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and two-time All-American. "I was around great teammates and great coaches, and there were so many experiences that prepared me for this step. I'm really excited about it, and I look forward to making the most of the opportunity."
Signing with Woon!Aris brings a hectic stretch to a close for Russ, who now plans to spend some time with his family before heading to Europe for the start of training camp in late August. After a thrilling 2005-06 NCAA Division III men's basketball season ended in March with an appearance in the national championship game in Salem, Va., Russ graduated from Wittenberg in May, traveled to Mexico with a small college all-star team in June, participated in invitation-only professional tryout camps in California, Florida and Germany in June and July, and played in summer leagues in Springfield and Columbus whenever possible.
That focus on basketball paid off as offers rolled in from teams in several countries. Leeuwarden is in the first division of the Dutch professional basketball league, and Russ said he chose to sign with Woon!Aris for a variety of reasons, including a promise of consistent playing time, the presence of multiple American players on the team and generous compensation terms.
While the experience promises a great deal of fun, Russ is focused. After a summer of critiques, he knows what he needs to work on to improve his game, starting with a new weight-training regimen to add bulk.
"I'm focused on basketball," said Russ, who finished his career ranked No. 9 in school history in total points. "It's going to be a great experience for a lot of reasons, but I want to go over there and workout, put on some weight, and really show what I am capable of on the court."
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