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Liad Suez Karni signs in Poland
Lior Klinger
,06/23/2006 |
After four years at Villanova, Liad Suez Karni signed to play for Wilsa Krakow, the reigning Polish league champion which also plays in the Euroleague. "It's the highest level there is in Europe. That's where I want to play and prove that I belong in that level," Suez Karni told 'Safsal'.
Liad Suez Karni recently wrapped up an impressive career at Villanova, participated in the WNBA's pre draft camp and returned to Israel. Now, while she starts practicing with the National Team, she is already preparing for her next stop – Poland.
"It's a EuroLeague team, the highest level there is in Europe, a good team with a good coach," said Suez Karni about what factored into her decision. "I plan to work hard and prove that I belong there, this is what I wanted, this kind of opportunity" she continued.
A few weeks ago Krakow signed ex-Hapoel Tel Aviv star Dominique Canty, and recently re-signed Anna Deforge, the Polish league's MVP last season currently playing with the Indiana Fever. "It's a strong team, built to go far in Europe. They have high expectations and I hope to contribute as much as I can, improve and learn" said Suez Karni. "From what I understand I'm supposed to be the 6th player," she said regarding her destined role on the team, "as a sub in the 3, 4 and 5 positions. Every EuroLeague team has a rotation of eight great players who can all play equal minutes. I need to prove myself over there just like I would in any place. A basketball player is usually as good as her last game. There's pressure but I want this type of pressure, this challenge. That's why I'm going."
Life in Poland is not going to be easy to adjust to, even for an Israeli girl who's been living in Pennsylvania for the last 4 years. "The truth is I talked to Limor Mizrachi [who played in Poland in 03/04] and she said she really enjoyed playing in Poland," said Suez Karni. "At least when you go to the movies they actually speak English and it's not translated like in Italy. She said the people are great, the teams are professional. I asked for her advice and she really recommended it and supported me. It's an experience, not too many people get an opportunity to play at this level and I'm going to take it with both hands."
Suez Karni's commitment to her new Polish team will not affect her availability for the Israeli national team. "I had my first practice yesterday and the atmosphere is great. The girls are working hard and I'm really happy that I get to join the NT again. Personally, the national team means a great deal to me. I hope we'll reach our peak in September and qualify for the European Championships."
Krakow is getting Suez Karni fresh off her senior season at Villanova, the best season of her career. She led the team in scoring with 14.9 ppg, hit 41.1% from downtown, added 5.2 boards per game and was named female student athlete of the year by the university. During the season she recorded a historic triple double in an overtime win over ND, scored a career high 34 points and became the 18th player in school history to eclipse the 1,000 point milestone – a remarkable achievement considering she had only 3 years of eligibility to do it.
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