Isaac
Years ago
KK Lietkabelis signed Ben Madgen. The Australian player comes from VOO Verviers-Pepinster where he averaged 19.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in Belgian top league.
Ben #Madgen from #Australia will be playing in @BCLietkabelis next season. Welcome to #Panevezys, @iMadgen01! pic.twitter.com/XXra8BOaB7
— BC Lietkabelis (@BCLietkabelis) August 18, 2016
Zodiac
Years ago
The Lithuanian league is a higher standard than the Belgian league so making his way up over there good on him.
I just hope one day he comes back home to play for the 36ers.
LC
Years ago
Full interview with him on signing in Lithuania and on comparing the Belgium league with the NBL.
Ben Madgen: The Scoring King of Belgium signs in Lithuania
Madgen was seeking to play Eurocup or Euroleague and gets that chance at his new team.
Zodiac they never come back to play for the 36ers. Never ever.
_Strungout_
Years ago
This is great.
I was unsure of how he would go playing over there without a passport.
An awesome story of hard work and making the most of his ability.
paul
Years ago
A nice step up for Ben after a quality Euro debut.
The Lithuanian league is OK (Derrick Low was leading scorer and third in assists last year) but playing Eurocup gives the opportunity to impress teams around Europe and potentially land in one of the better leagues over there. Good luck to him!
Freethrows
Years ago
Madge should definitely be considered for the Boomers. Jingles needs to go, and he'd be a sound replacement.
Aussie
Years ago
Arrrr.... No. One is a shooting guard and one is a small forward
Freethrows
Years ago
^ Madgen is capable of playing both. He played the 3 for the Kings in his last season there.
paul
Years ago
Ben's defence, physicality and ball handling would have to improved a fair bit to get into genuine Boomers consideration.
FM
Years ago
They came last that year, but he was still playing the 2 spot.
The Aussie marquee rule not enough to get Madden back to the NBL?
fstos
Years ago
Madgen to me is the type of player who can get points when given the volume shooters role but is not good enough in the other areas of his game to get that role in a good team.
Not close to a Boomer and when he is not the main man or at worst second cog will not add a lot to a good team in a strong league.
Wookiee
Years ago
The Aussie marquee rule not enough to get Madden back to the NBL?
LV
Years ago
The article mentions they're expecting a child.
You would think that would make it more likely he'll return to the NBL after another season or two. Having support of family and friends back home could become a bigger incentive during that time.
paul
Years ago
I think fstos nailed it.
However, maybe he will come back improved in those role playing areas? Depends on whether he eventually lands on a quality European team or not.
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