Everyone has probably read the article at this point, but you know I would have to post something.
The 6-foot-2 point guard, who ranks ninth all-time in scoring for the Panthers, confirmed Wednesday that he had signed a one-year deal to play for EWE Baskets Oldenburg, a German First Division team.
“After I signed, I stopped and thought about it. I thought, ‘I’m a professional.’ ” Krauser said. “I feel good.”
While Krauser would not divulge any other details of the contract, he insisted the move was “about making good decisions.
“Now, I’ve got to make a living,” said Krauser, who has a 2-year-old son.
The New York native led Pitt in scoring and assists the past two years, averaging 15.0 points and 4.8 assists per game last season, when Pitt finished with a 25-8 record after advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
He is scheduled to depart for Oldenburg, Germany, on Aug. 13.
“I love basketball,” Krauser said. “I’ll just take this as a good experience. I’m going to go out there and compete and learn a new language.
“I’m not sure when the league starts, but I’m going to find out a lot when I get to Germany.”
Until then, he said, he’ll keep playing ball.
“There’s a few summer leagues going on in New York. I’ll get up there when I can,” he said. “I’m going to play and work out as much as I can.”
Love him or hate him, he’s been a huge part of Pitt basketball and the success it has enjoyed the past few years. Pitt may not have have met the goals they and we hoped and expected, and Krauser may deserve some of the blame. That said, those goals and expectations would not have been as high without Krauser on the team.
His cockiness may have irritated some, but it isn’t going away.
“The NBA messed up in not picking up a veteran point guard like me,” he said. “To pick up a bunch of (college) sophomores is something I can’t quite understand. Their minds and bodies will be fatigued.”
Krauser took part in his second consecutive NBA Pre-Draft Camp last month, where he impressed a number of scouts. He said the Los Angles Lakers, Indiana and Utah were among the teams to show the most interest.
I’m going to miss him, and I hope he shows the NBA and the Germans something while there.
