Willie Deane is coming back to Lukoil Academic

Willie Deane

23-01-2009 21:49 | Lukoilacademic.net

American point guard Willie Deane III, who was elected All-Bulgarian League Player of the Year in 2008 is returning to Bulgaria and the team he used to competently run the offense of - Lukoil Academic. According to the club's official website, he will replace fellow American guard Toni Akins.

Akins, who is part Korean, has to go to South Korea and spend there at least 2 weeks. The purpose of his trip is to take care of the paperwork needed to be able to play for the South Korean national team, whose head coach has been very impressed with the player's performances and wants him in his squad. Lukoil Academic quickly looked for a replacement at the starting point guard spot.

Coincidentally, Willie Deane, who was a true revelation last season in the Bulgarian league and ULEB Cup, has been without a team lately and he was reportedly happy to hear of Lukoil's interest in him. He stated the season at Zalgiris Kaunas and played 5 games in the Euroleague, but the financial troubles at the Lithuanian club forced him out.

Deane has now signed with the Bulgraian champions until the end of the current season, but the club's intention is to try and keep him for next season too and rely on him as a star player.

LIST OF BULGARIAN TRANSACTIONS