CLEVELAND -- Christian Eyenga, a raw shooting guard drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, will stay with his Spanish club rather than play with LeBron James next season.
The 20-year-old Eyenga thanked Cleveland for drafting him with the 30th overall pick, but said Thursday he doesn't feel ready for the NBA. The 6-foot-5 Eyenga chose to sign a three-year contract extension with DKV Joventut. Terms of the deal were not available.
"I think the best option for me this season was to play here, and we'll see what happens in the future," said the Congo native, who spent last season with Prat Joventut, the Spanish franchise's junior team.
Eyenga plans to play at least one more season in Europe. Cleveland was impressed by his performance during the recent summer league in Las Vegas, where he averaged 8.8 points and 47 percent shooting in five games. He scored 17 points in a loss to Washington on July 14.
The Cavs agreed to let him develop further before he attempts to make their roster.
Eyenga is not the only Joventut player with NBA ties. Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn was in Spain this week, attempting to negotiate a contract buyout for point guard Ricky Rubio, the No. 5 draft pick overall.
The Cavs have been assured by Eyenga's agent that they would not be subject to a future buyout.
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Eyenga Picks Spanish Club Over Cavaliers
Christian Eyenga, a raw shooting guard drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, will stay with his Spanish club rather than play with LeBron James next season.
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NBC4i.com
Published: July 24, 2009
Published: July 24, 2009
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