August 13, 2008
WINDSOR BASKETBALL'S RYAN STEER SIGNS PRO CONTRACT IN GERMANY
WINDSOR, Ont. - Windsor Lancers Men's Basketball Head Coach Chris Oliver is pleased to announce that Ryan Steer, last year's CIS assist leader, has signed a pro contract to play in Germany.
Steer, a native of Windsor, Ontario, has signed to play for Wurzburg in Germany's Pro B Basketball League and has reported for his medical and training camp this week.
"I'm really excited to get an opportunity to play professionally in Europe," said Steer, who was an OUA First-Team All-Star last season. "I want to go as far as I can in basketball while I still have the opportunity."
Originally, Ryan had planned to sign with a pro team in Bristol, England before a stronger offer came in from the Wurzburg team in Germany.
Wurzburg had been in search of a point guard and was convinced they had found the right man after seeing highlight and game footage of Steer.
"They liked my defensive toughness and my ability to penetrate and pick up assists," added Steer. "They told me they are looking for me to control the game and play solid defense."
In addition to being the leading assist man in Canada at 7.43 apg, Steer also averaged 15.5 points last season proving he can also score and knock down the three.
"We're really excited for Ryan to get an opportunity to play professionally in Europe," commented Coach Oliver. "He had an outstanding career here at the University of Windsor and we wish him all the best in Germany."
Ryan hopes his outside shooting and his penchant for sticking his nose in the dirty areas in the paint will help him adjust to the European style of game.
"I know they play a physical style in that league and I'm a physical player," added Steer. "I think it suits me well."
Steer says adjusting to the lifestyle may be the bigger challenge as this is the first time that he has ever been to Europe.
As part of his contract, he will be provided an apartment, car and have his meals and medical expenses covered.
For Ryan, the language and cultural barriers will be the first obstacle to get over. Fortunately, the team's head coach speaks good English.
"I'll definitely have to learn some German," said Steer. "This is going to be a whole new experience for me and it's one that I'm really looking forward to."
Source: Elisa Mitton, Windsor Athletics
Steer, a native of Windsor, Ontario, has signed to play for Wurzburg in Germany's Pro B Basketball League and has reported for his medical and training camp this week.
"I'm really excited to get an opportunity to play professionally in Europe," said Steer, who was an OUA First-Team All-Star last season. "I want to go as far as I can in basketball while I still have the opportunity."
Originally, Ryan had planned to sign with a pro team in Bristol, England before a stronger offer came in from the Wurzburg team in Germany.
Wurzburg had been in search of a point guard and was convinced they had found the right man after seeing highlight and game footage of Steer.
"They liked my defensive toughness and my ability to penetrate and pick up assists," added Steer. "They told me they are looking for me to control the game and play solid defense."
In addition to being the leading assist man in Canada at 7.43 apg, Steer also averaged 15.5 points last season proving he can also score and knock down the three.
"We're really excited for Ryan to get an opportunity to play professionally in Europe," commented Coach Oliver. "He had an outstanding career here at the University of Windsor and we wish him all the best in Germany."
Ryan hopes his outside shooting and his penchant for sticking his nose in the dirty areas in the paint will help him adjust to the European style of game.
"I know they play a physical style in that league and I'm a physical player," added Steer. "I think it suits me well."
Steer says adjusting to the lifestyle may be the bigger challenge as this is the first time that he has ever been to Europe.
As part of his contract, he will be provided an apartment, car and have his meals and medical expenses covered.
For Ryan, the language and cultural barriers will be the first obstacle to get over. Fortunately, the team's head coach speaks good English.
"I'll definitely have to learn some German," said Steer. "This is going to be a whole new experience for me and it's one that I'm really looking forward to."
Source: Elisa Mitton, Windsor Athletics
