Melsahn Basabe

Melsahn Basabe (born May 29, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for PBC Lukoil Academic of the National Basketball League (Bulgaria). He played college basketball at the University of Iowa.^[1]

Personal life

Basabe was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to father Carlos Basabe and mother Aloha Wilks.^[2] Although born in North Carolina, Basabe attended St. Mark's School in Southborough, Massachusetts.

High school career

Basabe's high school coach was David Lubick. During the summer of 2009, Basabe was a member of the highly regarded New York Gauchos. He averaged 13 points and nine rebounds the following year playing for the NEPSAC Class C runner-up Lions, including an impressive showing in his team's first 2010 playoff game, in which he scored 30 points. He was a team captain, and he received all-league honors as a senior.

College career

Rivals.com rated Basabe as a 3-star power forward.^[3] He was set to play for current Iowa coach Fran McCaffery^[4] when McCaffery was still coaching Siena. When Iowa fired then coach Todd Lickliter after three years of mediocrity, Basabe decided to follow McCaffery to Iowa. Boston College and St. John's were thought to be interested in Basabe as well.^[5]

^[6] He finished the year averaging 11 points second on the team, 6.8 rebounds first on the team, and 1.3 blocks per game also first on the team. Basabe had a career high 22 points against then #2 Ohio State on January 4, 2011. Basabe also added 13 rebounds and 6 blocks, despite being covered by Jared Sullinger for most of the game.^[7][8]

Basabe led Iowa in rebounding and blocks as a freshman. He is the first Hawkeye, regardless of class, to collect 325 points, 200 rebounds, and 40 blocks in a single season since Ryan Bowen in 1998.

Basabe and teammate Bryce Cartwright were awarded honorable mention all-Big Ten recognition. Basabe was named to the Big Ten's all-freshman team, which is selected by coaches.^[9]

Professional career

Basabe signed his first pro contract with the Helsinki Seagulls of the Korisliiga. He played 42 games, averaging 19 minutes,4 points and 12 rebounds per game. For the 2015-2016 season, he signed with Antwerp Giants of the Belgian League.^[10]

On September 30, 2016, Basabe signed with Doxa Lefkadas of the Greek Basket League.^[11]

References