He's played at two junior colleges, in the USBL and in the latest incarnation of the ABA. Now Daniel Artest takes his NBA dream to Europe.
The 23-year-old younger brother of former Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest will play for a team in Saarlouis, Germany, starting in September. He'll be competing in a small city in one of Europe's lower level professional leagues, but hopes to gain exposure.
"It's an opportunity for me to get my game up there more," he said. "Hopefully NBA teams will like what they see."
Daniel Artest, 6-5 and 275 pounds, is two inches shorter than his famous older brother, but weighs about 25 pounds more. He has played for Southern Nevada and Westchester Community College, and for two minor league professional teams, most recently for the Kentucky Colonels in the latest incarnation of the ABA.
That team folded, however, before Daniel ever received a paycheck.
Daniel said he averaged about 16 points and nine rebounds his first junior college season and 28 points and 13 rebounds for his second.
Ron Artest has frequently championed his brother's basketball cause, promoting him to the media and playing in offseason tournaments only if Daniel was allowed to play. Daniel doesn't lack for confidence, either.
"I play with Ron every day," he said. "Ron will tell you himself, I've been giving him fits on the court. He doesn't destroy me like he does other people. I'm probably stronger and more athletic than Ron. I know I can play in the league. I just have to get my foot in the door."
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