Micah Downs joins Basketball

Sport Lisboa e Benfica secured the signing of Micah Downs. At the age of 32, the basketball player lands in Portugal to embrace another experience outside his home country. After making his college career at the University of Kansas Jayhawks and Gonzaga, the athlete already played in Croatia, Belgium, Spain, Venezuela, Ukraine, France, Italy and Russia. 

Playing for Avtodor Saratov, last season, the American faced the Eagles at Pavilhão Fidelidade. Micah Downs was the best player of the Russian side, bagging 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a total valorization of 23, contributing for the triumph from the away team by 86-97.

“I played against Benfica last season in the FIBA Europe Cup and my impressions were very good. It is an extremely professional club. The infrastructures, both medical and training, are impressive”, he said, in exclusive statements to the Official Site.

In terms of goals for this season, the small-forward aims to win all games in which Benfica takes part and, naturally, to regain the Championship: “The history of this club tells us that we want to win all matches. The is the goal of all the players, to win the highest number o games and to win the Championship again”, he stated.

Micah Downs also highlighted the positive aspects that his international experience can bring to the Red team.

“I played all over Europe, I played in the D-League, and this is my 10th year playing as a professional. I hope to be able to bring my intelligence and my tenacity into the court, give everything and be a good example for the younger players”, he concluded.

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro / SL Benfica