ASU's Tovey to join professional ranks

by Joey Warren, sports information director

Cameron Tovey, the 2004-05 Peach Belt Conference Men's Basketball Freshman-of-the-Year, has decided to accept a professional contract with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian Basketball League. He will forego his final three years of eligibility at Augusta State and remain in his home country of Australia. Tovey is the second Jaguar in the last four seasons to sign a professional contract in Australia, joining former standout Gary Boodnikoff, who signed with the ABL’s Sydney Kings after exhausting his eligibility at the conclusion of the 2001-02 season.

"It's the kind of opportunity that Cameron couldn't afford to pass up," said ASU head coach Dip Metress. "It's certainly a big blow to the team. We were counting on having him back. But his dream has always been to play professional basketball and now he'll get to realize that dream. The ABL is Australia’s version of the NBA and is a very good league. We wish him nothing but the best. I know he'll be successful and be a very good player in that league. He has all the tools and when he gains some experience, he could be a very special player.”

Tovey ranked second on the team and 14th in the PBC in scoring at 12.0 ppg. and was the only player in the league to rank among the top 14 in scoring, rebounding and assists. He also led the team and ranked fourth in the PBC in rebounding at 7.4 rpg. and was second on the team and 10th in the PBC in assists with 3.2 per contest. In addition, he ranked first on the squad in field goals made, field-goal attempts and free-throw attempts and he led the team in scoring on eight occasions.

Tovey helped lead the Jags to a 19-11 record, a tie for second place in Peach Belt Conference’s North Division and a berth in the PBC Tournament semifinals. ASU returns two starters and eight lettermen from last season's squad.

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