Former LVR Bomber star inks deal in Romania
By Bruce Fuhr
At least L.V. Rogers Bomber grad Sean Denison is getting to travel and see the world.
The former Bomber basketball star recently signed on to play in the Romania League (Liga Nationala) with CSM Oradea after a stint last season in Russia.
“I am really looking forward to this season . . . it looks like it could be good for me and fun to play,” the 6’11”, 245-pound power forward said before hopping a plane for Europe.
Liga Nationala is the fifth team — fourth country — for Denison since graduating from a four-year NCAA Men’s Division One career with the Santa Clara Broncos.
Denison, 27, had stops in Turkey, Germany and the past two seasons in Russia.
Last season was a struggle just getting two the hardwood for Denison as the NBA lockout allowed the pros to take many of the jobs in Europe reserved for other players.
“The lockout played a part but it wasn’t just that, my last season wasn’t as good as it could have been,” Denison explained. “There’s no telling all of the factors involved but this year it took longer to find something good.”
In Romania Denison, who along with wife Trisha have two children, is excited at the team he is joining in the city of Oradea.
“(CSM Oradea) were very successful last season and are going to be trying to get into EuroChallenge this season as well,” Denison said.
“Their American point guard from last season, William Franklin, and their Australian shooting guard, Daniel Dillon, will be returning to play for them which shows they are a professional club that import players like to play for.”
CSM Oradea plays in the 16-team Liga Nationala league.
The team lost out in straight games during the 2012-13 playoffs to Gaz Metan after edging Ploiesti and U. Mobitel CN during the early round of the playoffs.
“After talking to their coach and general manager it sounded like a good place to play and I’m looking forward to being a part of the team,” Denison said.
“Last season they had five players average over 10 points a game and they averaged 15 assists a game as a team and I think this the reason why they were so successful last season.
“I feel my play style fits in with a team oriented approach, I’m never selfish with the ball and if someone is open I will get it to them.”
Last season Denison averaged 10.5 points per game while playing 20 minutes per game.
Denison, who helped lead LVR (junior boys) and Trafalgar (juvenile boys) teams to provincial titles during his high school career, is penciled in to start on the bench for CSM Oradea.
Franklin and Dillon join other starters shooting guard Radovan Markovic, center Bogdan Tibirna and power forward Vujadin Subotic.
“When I talked to the coach it sounds like he runs a very structured system and I think this will help us win tight games,” said Denison, who spends the offseason living in Shuswap area near Salmon Arm.
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