Thursday, August 13, 1998
Smith expects
to fill opening
in Germany
Ex-teammate Carter also
By Cindy Luis
could end up in Europe
Star-BulletinIf all goes well, Alika Smith will be halfway around the world by this time next week. The former record-setting guard from the University of Hawaii is on the verge of signing a professional contract with a Division II team in Germany.
"I'm hoping to be leaving in a couple of days," Smith said. "According to my agent (Harry Brown of California), I'm the front-runner for the opening on the German team.
"I'm ready to get started again and looking forward to the new challenge. I want to showcase what Hawaii has to offer."
Brown is negotiating for one of two spots allowed for American players. Smith recently returned from California, where he competed in several pro-am tournaments.
Meanwhile, Smith's backcourt mate, Anthony Carter, was heading back to Atlanta after a week's stay in Hawaii.
"I was seeing friends and catching up with my teammates," Carter said yesterday. "This was my last chance to come out and spend some time out here. I have to get back for my rehab."
Carter had surgery on his left shoulder in June. He was cleared July 27 to begin running and shooting and is expected to be cleared for contact Sept. 17.
"Things are going pretty well," said Carter, who has been working out at an Atlanta gym with several NBA players. "The shoulder's feeling good. I'm not worried. The doctors said I'm ahead of schedule."
The NBA lockout is to Carter's advantage, allowing him time to fully heal. He wasn't drafted in June, but the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers have contacted him about attending their free-agent camps.
Carter said his agent also is working on a contract to play in Italy if the NBA lockout continues or if free-agent deals fall through.
Also, former Wahine forward Judy Mosley-McAfee, the all-time leading scorer in Hawaii basketball history, has signed with PVSK Basketball Bt, a pro team in Hungary. Mosley played in the WNBA last season before being cut.
