KEVIN KRUGER LEAVING FOR BULGARIA
After weighing his options for about a week, Kevin Kruger has decided to sign with a professional team in Bulgaria. The former UNLV point guard visited the Rebels’ practice Friday and said he will fly to Europe on Saturday.
As a rookie last season, Kruger played for the Utah Flash in the NBA Development League. The downside to that experience? He earned about $18,000 for his work. Utah still owns his rights and could have paid him $25,000 for this season. Kruger said money is more important to him right now than toiling in the NBA’s minor league and hoping for a call.
He said he will be paid about $105,000 before bonuses for a season in Bulgaria. His contract includes a free apartment, car and Internet access, among other necessities.
Kruger, cut by the Milwaukee Bucks in training camp, said he requested the Internet clause in the contract so he can follow UNLV’s season.
“This team is going to be really, really good,” he said.
ADAMS PICKED AMONG TOP 50
Senior guard Wink Adams has a spot on an elite list. Adams is a 2008-09 preseason candidate for the John R. Wooden Award All-American Team and Player of the Year trophy, it was announced Friday.
The list is composed of 50 players who, based on last year’s individual performance and team records, are the early frontrunners for college basketball’s most prestigious honor.
Adams also was selected as the Mountain West Conference’s Preseason Co-Player of the Year. He led UNLV in scoring last season at 16.9 points per game, and scored in double figures in 32 of 35 games.
Other players on the Wooden list include Tyler Hansbrough of North Carolina, last year’s winner; Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody; and Davidson guard Stephen Curry.
Larry Johnson, the 1991 Wooden Award winner, is the only player in Rebels history to earn the award as the nation’s top player.
