AUGUSTA, Ga. -- 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 National 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 NBL'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 NBL 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.