Last Friday, Charles Rhodes arrived in Riga, Latvia to join his new team, Barons LMT, and on Saturday he was thrown into the fire, appearing in his first Baltic Basketball League game.

In just under 10 minutes of action, Rhodes scored four points, connecting on two of his four attempts, snagged two rebounds, and turned the ball over once. It’s evident that Charles must do some adapting to his new environment as he managed to foul out of the game (the limit in Latvia is five), and even received a technical.

Nonetheless, Barons Riga defeated ASK Riga 90-68 and Rhodes left a fair impression on his new coach. Click to view the game box score. Stay turned for more on Charles Rhodes’ Latvian adventure.

Click for video highlights of the game via eSports.lv.

Charles Rhodes and the Latvian Rick Stansbury.

Charles Rhodes suiting up for Barons LMT in Latvia.

I don’t know much about Latvia. I know it’s in Europe (but yes, I did have to ‘Google Map’ the exact location of Latvia). I also remember a Seinfeld episode where George tried to convert to Latvian Orthodoxy for a girl, until his mother got involved…and Kramer found out that he had the Kavorka, or “lure of the animal.”

Ok….I digress. Yesterday, on a post I had about Rhodes being absent from the NBDL draft list, someone (with a Latvian-based email address) left a comment that Rhodes had signed with Barons LMT, a team based in Riga, Latvia.

Searches and Google translates of the team site yesterday did not yield any results.  However, today, several sites are reporting that Rhodes signing with Barons is very close to happening, if not already official.

You could get the Spanish translation of this report on BasketCentral.it, but the two sentences it contains basically say that an official announcement of Rhodes signing with Barons could come within hours (the report came across the wires around 8:40 am est time). This Lithuanian site is also posting videos of Rhodes at Mississippi State, in addition to reporting the signing.

Of course, the best bet for the latest word would probably be the official team site, www.barons.lv. This release on the Barons LMT site indicates that the team is bringing in three Americans: Corey Smith, Todd Abernethy (former Ole Miss Rebel), and Charles Rhodes.

You can go to Google Translate and get the Latvian translation, but the gist is that Rhodes is the only American who has signed a “treaty” (the other two have been invited on a probational basis), but Charles is still waiting for official clearance (whether it be passing a physical or passport issues, I’m not sure). Rhodes’ contract does stipulate that the team can rescind the contract should Rhodes’ performance be “unsatisfactory.” Of course, we all know that won’t happen.

Check back with Bulldog Maroon & White for more information on the excursions of Charles Rhodes in Latvia, the heart of the Baltics.

Since leaving Mississippi State in 2005, Lawrence Roberts played for the Memphis Grizzlies a couple years (with a brief stint in the NBDL), spent time in Greece last year (where he was signed, but didn’t actually suit up), and caught on with the Denver Nuggets this past summer in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League.

While the former SEC Player of the Year surely still has NBA hopes, he’s currently taking a tour of duty in the land of the red star…..Serbia my friends. In early September, Roberts signed a 1-year deal with Košarkaški Klub Crvena Zvezda, which translates to Basketball Club Red Star. Located in Belgrade, Red Star participates in the top Serbian basketball league (Sinalco Superleague), in the larger Adriatic League, and competes for the ULEB Eurocup.

To date, Red Star has played three games in the Adriatic League, which also features teams from Bosnia, Croatia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Slovenia. All three games have been wins, and the indication from eurobasket.com is that Roberts is among the starting five. However, he is only averaging 20.7 minutes per game (tied with three others for 5th on the team).

The reality, being a stranger in a strange land, is that Roberts will take a while to get his bearings. So while he is only averaging seven points (4-12 total FG, 33%) and 4.7 rebounds through three games, I expect his numbers to improve. However, I am curious that out of the 12 shots Roberts has attempted, eight of them have been three-pointers (he’s made only two). Is that what his game has become? Who knows.

Maybe Lawrence Roberts will receive some tips from Vlade Divac, the former NBAer was recently named an adviser in Serbia’s government. In any case, good luck to Roberts and his overseas basketball endeavors.

Former Mississippi State basketball player, Lawrence Roberts, is suiting up for Red Star Belgrade these days.

Former Mississippi State Bulldog, Jamont Gordon, handles the rock for Fortitudo Bologna in Italy

The last we left Jamont Gordon, he was having an impressively productive preseason with his Italian team, Fortitudo Bologna. The team was just about to travel to Athens, Greece for the preseason Varikas tournament.

In their first game against Panionios on September 26, Gordon led Fortitudo with 20 points and also snagged 8 rebounds. However, his team, without the services of former NBA center Earl Barron, could not defend the paint. Former Maryland Terp, Lonny Baxter, “terrified” Fortitudo with 26 points and 13 boards. Italian translated reports also indicate that Fortitudo had a lot of trouble with the pressing defense of Panionios.

The next day, Fortitudo went up against Russian powerhouse, Dynamo, which features former NBA players Jannero Pargo (New Orleans Hornets, also a former Arkansas Razorback who used to kill the Bulldogs) and Bostjan Nachbar (New Jersey Nets), along with former Oklahoma star, Hollis Price. Fortitudo played a much better game than against Panionios. Gordon once again led his team with 22 points, but unfortunately, the Italian team fell to the Russian team 78-75.

The indication seems to be that Jamont Gordon has been the ‘go-to’ guy in crunch time for Fortitudo, which is rare for an American rookie. According to team GM Zoran Savic, most knew that Jamont could score, but team officials are rather surprised at his defense, rebounding, and tough attitude.

The Italian League

Draft Express has a great run-down/preview of Italian League basketball. Unfortunately, the league has hit on some tough times as two members, Naples and Capo D’Orlando, were lost as a result of a tax-evasion scandal. This dropped the number of teams from 18 to 16. Fortitudo Bologna is picked by Draft Express to finish seventh in the Italian League.

Fortitudo opened their season on October 12th against Snaidero. Already short-handed with Qyntel Woods  and Earl Barron out due to injury, and star Brazilian point guard, Marcelo Huertas, experiencing passport issues, Fortitudo was hoping to lean on Jamont Gordon and former UNC Tar Heel, Joe Forte, in the opener. Unfortunately, Gordon went down with a sprained ankle after scoring only two points. Forte picked up the slack with 33 points en route to a 90-72 Fortitudo win.

Gordon is being monitored and is currently considered day-to-day. Fortitudo’s next match will be this Saturday against Lottomatica Virtus Roma. Lottomatica features former Villanova guard, Allan Ray, and the well-known American high-schooler, Brandon Jennings. Jennings is famous for skipping an opportunity to attend the University of Arizona (he was not eligible for the NBA draft because of the new age limit), and opted for money in Italy before trying his hand at the NBA.

Stay tuned for updates on Jamont Gordon’s status and his pro basketball Italian experience.

The difference between Jamont Gordon, a basketball player who attended Mississippi State University, and Jamon Gordon, a basketball player who attended Virginia Tech, may be as evident as the letter ‘T’ to you and I, but not to everyone.

Recently, a hubbub was created on international professional basketball scene when JaMON Gordon signed with AS Trikala 2000 BC, a team based in Greece. Confusion ensued and popular international basketball site, EuroBasket.com, reported that JamonT Gordon was leaving his team in Italy, Fortitudo Bologna, to head to Greece, when actually, it was the other Gordon.

This whole issue was cleared up today in a story from BasketNet.it, the title google translates to: Case of names, Jamont Gordon will not move from Bologna. (EuroBasket still has Jamont Gordon playing in Greece on his profile, so I sent an email requesting a correction to an otherwise stellar site – they changed it to no team, but I ensure you that Jamont is playing for Fortitudo Bologna.)

So now that I’ve cleared up an issue you probably weren’t even aware of, how is Jamont Gordon doing in Italy?

First, you can go check out a video of Jamont’s Italian press conference, which was posted on the Mississippi State Sports Blog.

Jamont Gordon, Earl Barron, Joe Forte and Qyntel Woods enjoy the Italian countryside - www.fortitudo.it

August 30: The Fortitudo coaches hosted their new players, along with the rest of the team and staff, to a retreat in the Italian countryside, featuring a “mega-barbecue,” sandwiches, art history, and the general lay-of-the-land.

September 7: In their first preseason game, Fortitudo beat Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia 83-75. Reggio Emilia features former Auburn Tiger, Bryant Smith. In his debut, Jamont Gordon scored 18 points. Unfortunately for Fortitudo, American center, Earl Barron, who spent time with the Miami Heat last season, went down with an ankle injury.

September 10: In their second preseason game, Fortitudo defeated Benetton Treviso 101-97. Qyntel Woods, recovering from back problems, scored 23 points. In a tight game, Jamont Gordon impressed fans and staff alike by scoring a team-high 25 points, 17 coming in the 4th quarter.

September 13: Fortitudo was defeated by Pallacanestro Cantù (featuring former Georgia Bulldog, Sundiata Gaines) 86-78. Joe Forte led Fortitudo Bologna with 25 points, Jamont Gordon netted 23.

September 14: Faced with injuries and having to integrate new American players, Fortitudo lost to Upea Capo d’Orlando 103-95. Translated articles cite defense as the problem. Jamont Gordon scored 25 points.

Jamont Gordon Slams It Home for Fortitudo - www.fortitudo.it

Fortitudo traveled to play in the preseason Memorial Pirazzi Tournament in Verbania, Italy

September 20: In a game against Cimberio Varese (which features former Wake Forest guard, Randolph Childress), where the translation of the description of Gordon includes, “physical and mental strength that does not stop to amaze,” and, “terrifying,” Jamont scored 33 points en route to a 106-76 win for Fortitudo. Evidently, Jamont closed out the game by scoring 16 consecutive points and igniting the crowd with a variety of dunks and ‘and 1′ baskets.

September 21: Fortitudo defeated Pallacanestro Cantù 100-78. Jamont only scored 9 points, Qyntel Woods impressed with 30, and Joe Forte was dubbed the “assist man.”

After those two victories in the Memorial Pirazzi Tournament in Verbania, Foritudo returned home for some two-a-day workouts before they head to Athens, Greece to participate in Varikas, and international tournament sponsored by Panionios F.C., which features former Maryland Terp, Lonny Baxter, and former Kansas Jayhawk, Aaron Miles.

Stay tuned for more updates on Jamont Gordon’s Italian job.

[UPDATE] For a rundown on the Italian League in general, head over to Ball in Europe.

Fresh off being drafted in the third round of the CBA draft, there is news out of Spain that Charles Rhodes is being considered by Regal FC Barcelona. Sport.es, a Spanish-Catalan publication, is reporting that former Mississippi State Bulldog, Rhodes, is one of several players being considered as a replacement for a departing post player.

Going off Google’s Translation, and my limited knowledge of Spanish, I’ve gathered that El Barça (one of the team nicknames) is looking for a big man to take the place of 7′1″ Croatian center, Mario Kasun. Kasun, taken 41st overall in the 2002 NBA draft, and having previously spent two seasons (‘04-05 and ‘05-06) with the Orlando Magic. has moved on to play in Turkey. The Spanish team is also looking at Jake Voskuhl (Milwaukee Bucks), DJ Mbenga (Los Angeles Lakers), Kyrylo Fesenko (Utah Jazz), and Darien Townes (Arkansas Razorbacks).

Regal FC Barcelona, playing in the top Spanish professional basketball league (ACB), has historically been one of the best teams in Spain, and Europe. Regal FC has won 14 ACB league titles and the Euroleague in 2003. NBA players, and Spanish greats, Pau Gasol, his brother Marc, and Juan Carlos Navarro have suited up for Regal FC Barcelona. Rony Seikaly, Anderson Varejão, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Tony Massenburg, Ed Cota, Gregor Fucka, Pepe Sanchez, Romain Sato (who played against Mississippi State twice while at Xavier – in a game at Madison Square Garden in December 2002, and in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament in March 2004), and Shammond Williams are other prominent players who have played for El Barça.

With the season beginning the weekend of October 4-5, Regal FC Barcelona has a sense of urgency in signing a new post player. Stay tuned to see if Spain is a valid option for Charles Rhodes.

Jamont Gordon is headed to Basket City, otherwise known as Bologna, Italy, to pursue his hoop dreams. As first reported on the Clarion-Ledger’s MSU blog, via an August 23rd team press release (you might need the Google Translator), Gordon will be suiting up for Fortitudo Pallacanestro Bologna, also known as UPIM Bologna after its chain department store sponsor.

While Bologna will be vastly different than Starkville, Gordon will still be apart of an intense rivalry à la Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Fortitudo, known for attracting top American talent, has a traditional rivalry with Virtus, also based in Bologna. Both teams consistently compete for the Italian Cup, and the Euroleague title. Hence, the enthusiasm denizens of Bologna are known for gives the city its moniker of Basket City.

Currently Qyntel Woods, of Northeast Mississippi Community College and pit-bull fighting/NBA trouble fame, is on the roster of Fortitudo. Joe Forte, of infamous NBA bust fame, and the poster child for not leaving college early (hey, at least Forte was drafted when he mistakenly left North Carolina after two years), is also on the team.

Notable Fortitudo alumni include Auburn’s Moochie Norris, UCLA’s Tyus Edney, current Chicago Bulls coach, Vinny Del Negro, and Dominique Wilkins, among dozens of other players who are either currently in the NBA or have spent time playing college or professional ball in the United States.

But What About Charles Rhodes?

The latest report from the Clarion-Ledger’s Kyle Veazey is that neither reaching out to Rhodes’ agent, nor text messaging Charles himself, has provided any newsworthy results.

However, another site, tuttobasket.net, which offers a hodgepodge of coverage for European/Italian basketball, cites an August 18th article from La Repubblica, Italy’s largest circulation newspaper, which insinuates that Rhodes is in negotiations to team up with Jamont Gordon on Fortitudo. (Once again, you’ll need the Google Translator.)

The most interesting quote about Jamont Gordon from the translation: “In any case, an element can create from scratch game well, although to date the first for himself and later for others.”

So while it looks like Jamont Gordon has gotten himself an Italian job, Charles Rhodes is in a wait-and-see situation. Stay tuned……