Goulding follows Gliddon back to Europe
After a stellar year for Melbourne United in the NBL, Chris Goulding has signed with Italian Serie A side Auxilium Pallacanestro Torino. He joins Cameron Gliddon in heading to Europe, with the Cairns Taipan signing to play with AZS Koszalin in Poland.
The dynamic Goulding averaged 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game during the 2015-16 NBL season. He helped Melbourne United to an 18-10 record and the minor premiership before his side bowed out to the New Zealand Breakers 0-2 in the best of three semi final series.
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Goulding returns to Europe after playing for CAI Zaragoza in the Spanish ACB during the 2014-15 season. During that season he averaged 8.6 points (34.9% FG) in the ACB while posting 11.5 points on 40.1% shooting in the Eurocup. He links with Torino to play out their 2015-16 season.
Photo Credit: NBL Media
Torino are in outright last place with a poor 6-14 record in the Italian national league, having lost four of their past 5 games. They would be hoping that their latest addition will help them avoid relegation, while Goulding is likely to use the experience to aid his preparation for the Australian Boomers camp set to commence from 5 July 2016.
Fringe Australian Boomer and 2015-16 Taipans MVP Cameron Gliddon had already made a commitment to playing in Europe, signing a 10 week contract in Poland with AZS Koszalin. Following a career year with the Taipans in which he was able to deliver 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, Gliddon makes his first venture to play professionally outside of Australia.
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Gliddon's decision to head to Europe was driven by a desire to achieve his Olympic ambitions.
“I decided that keeping my match fitness rather than taking a break was important, and Andrej [Lemanis] encouraged me to consider this option as I chase a spot with the Boomers camp,” Gliddon said.
“Playing in Europe has always been a dream of mine, so I’m excited at the opportunity to do so while hopefully improving my chances of Olympic selection."
Currently sitting in 8th position with an 11-11 record, Koszalin have added Gliddon in their desire to improve their chances of securing a finals berth. Gliddon is expected to suit up for their next game on 29 February (Australian time) against 4th placed Anwil. He joins the same league that already boasts fellow Australians Daniel Dillon (PGE Turow) and Ater Majok (Trefl Sopot) who have been in outstanding form this season.
https://twitter.com/CairnsTaipans/status/699749532947460096
For a full list of all the Australians playing in Europe, Click Here