College 'ball fans -- recall any of these names?

Thought those of you who follow college basketball might be interested to know who some of the Americans are who've ended up starring in the National Basketball League in Australia. I'm sure these guys, once they don't make the NBA (although a few of them had brief stints at that level) just disappear off your radar.

Some of the guys who end up out here, get married, become Aussie citizens and a few have even represented Australia internationally.

I've made a list of the more successful current ones, and some of my favourites and would love to hear if any of you remember anything about them.

Brian Wethers, Uni of California, Berkeley

He was just named our League's MVP this past week. Plays in Newcastle, a city just north of Sydney. This was his first year in the NBL. His bio doesn't say where he was born in the US.

Bobby Brannen, Uni of Cincinatti (born Cincinatti)

One of my favourite American players in the league. Gets called "Baywatch Bobby" because of his blond hair and muscly build. Must be funny for someone coming from Cincinatti. Plays in Brisbane, which must be warm after Cincinatti. Has been here a few years and is talking about taking out Australian citizenship.

Derek Rucker, Davidson College (born Washington DC)

One of the veterans of our league, who will probably end up being a FoxSports commentator here when he retires (which could be soon). Apparently his dad played football is the US and went on to be a commentator. I worked with Derek for a few years when he was playing in Sydney. He's now playing in Brisbane.

Rob Brown, Uni of Buffalo (born in Michigan)

Only arrived here this past year. Explosive, but obviously one of those guys who was always going to be too small to make it in the NBA. He won our slam dunk comp this year. Plays in Townsville (far north, almost in the tropics) where he's become an absolute crowd favourite. They go wild for him up there.

Chris Burgess, Duke and Uni of Utah (born California)

Was runner up in MVP award for 2004/2005. Plays on a very weak team, Cairns (right into the northern tropics) but did everything. Think he's only been here one year and I haven't seen much of him because Cairns don't get on TV much.

Lanard Copeland, Georgia State (born Atlanta) played for 76ers and Clippers

He's a fixture in our league now. Has been the backcourt partner for Andrew Gaze (Aussie who played for Seton Hall in NCAA final, then briefly for Washington Bullets and SA Spurs) in Melbourne for lord knows how long. Think he's an Aussie citizen by now. A real character. Funny as a circus in interviews and apparently one of the all-time great trash talkers.

Ricky Grace, Uni of Oklahoma, (born Dallas) played for Atlanta

Just retired after a long and distinguised career in Australia. Played his entire career here with Perth -- on the west coast. When he played his last game recently the crowd, not his home crowd, gave him such a long standing ovation when he was subbed off the court for the last time that I thought they were going to have to stop the game. Unsurprisingly attracted the nickname of "Amazing Grace".


Nick Horvath, Duke, (born Shoreview, Minnesota)

Played for the team I follow, West Sydney, this season. I thought he was one of the best imports we've ever had and hope he comes back next year. Had some sort of drama with the coach, but word is that's smoothed over. Hope so. I'd take him rather than the coach quite frankly.

Darnell Mee, Western Kentucky Uni (born Cleveland) Denver Nuggets

Another veteran. I'm told he was a first round draft pick who blew his knee out so badly he was never considered likely to come back properly and ended up out here. If he hasn't posted more triple doubles than any player in the NBL, he must be close to claiming the record. Plays for Wollongong, just south of Sydney. They were beaten grand finalists this season.

Dusty Rychart, Uni of Minnesota (born Grand Rapids Minnesota)

My very favourite American import. Quite possibly ever. I thought he might be MVP this season but he ended up fourth in the voting. Works harder than any American I've seen come out here and yet actually got cut in his first season in the NBL. Just as he was about to fly out of the country he got an offer from the then reigning champs: Adelaide and that's where he's stayed. He keeps a web journal of his experiences as an American in the Australia league which is disarmingly honest.

http://www.d-rych.com

Also be interested to know if anyone remembers a Gonzaga player called John Rillie

He's an Aussie not an American but has been my long-time favourite player. I know he held a three-point shooting record at Gonzaga for a while.

There are plenty of other Americans out here, I've only mentioned some, but you guys should know that most of them do a great job representing your country and winning over fans in Australia.