Kazemi Helps Iran to FIBA Victory

With a 14-point, 7-rebound effort, Rice sophomore Arsalan Kazemi helped Iran to its first victory – a 71-58 win over Tunisia – at the FIBA World Championship being played in Turkey. Kazemi was 4-for-7 from the field and four of Iran’s eight steals in the game.

Iran returns to action Wednesday when it takes on Team USA and closes out play in Group B on Thursday against Slovenia.

Kazemi Scores 12 Points vs. Croatia

Arsalan Kazemi scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds for Iran in a 75-54 loss to Croatia on the second day of the FIBA World Championship being played in Turkey.

Kazemi was 5-for-10 from the field in 30 minutes of play. He scored 10 points during a third-quarter in which Iran managed to cut Croatia's lead to 53-40 to start the final quarter.

Iran takes on Tunisia Monday as Group B play continues.

Link to video of Sunday's highlights including a pair of Kazemi dunks.

Kazemi Scores Nine Points in World Championship Debut

In his FIBA World Championship debut, Rice University sophomore Arsalan Kazemi scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds Saturday as Iran began the tournament with an 81-65 loss to Brazil. Kazemi was 4-for-11 from the field.

Iran continues play in Group B on Sunday against Croatia. Iran’s pool also includes Slovenia, Tunisia and the United States. Kazemi’s team, which includes Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, will play Team USA on Wednesday.

Williams Bound for Hungary

Lorenzo Williams, who concluded his Rice playing career in 2007, has signed to play this coming season for the defending Hungarian champion, Zalakeramia ZTE KK.

Williams played the past season in the German Bundesliga for the Giessen 46ers where he averaged 11.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Prior to playing for the Giessen 46ers, Williams honed his skills playing the European style of basketball in the Slovak lead. He averaged 20.8 points and 5.8 rebounds for Pezinok during the 2008-09 season.

Studies Abroad

Following a four-year career as a student-athlete at Rice University, Rodney Foster’s education continued this past year on another continent. While many of his classmates from Rice went on to post-graduate studies, Foster’s classroom this past year was a city in the Rhineland area of Germany and basketball courts unlike any in the United States.

Foster’s agent worked out a contract just days before the former Rice point guard set out for the city of Leverkusen in the far western reaches of Germany. Just days after arriving in Leverkusen, Foster made his debut as a professional athlete playing for Bayer Giants Leverkusen (and yes, the team takes its name from the pharmaceutical manufacturer which is headquartered in the city).

“It was definitely a quick transition,” Foster said. “I got there, settled in and we practices two or three days before our first game.”

On the court, Foster had to become adjusted to a different kind of basketball. And outside the team’s home venue, Wilhelm Dopatka Halle, the suburban Houston native had to come accustom himself to a new culture.

“I was there to play basketball but I definitely wanted to experience everything I could,” he said. “Not too many people get the opportunity to go to another country and live their daily life in a different culture. I definitely got a lot out of the experience.”

Read more about Foster's experience at Rice University's athletic blog, The R.

Kuipers Helps Rice Dominate

Lucas Kuipers was one of five Rice student-athletes to be named Conference USA Scholar Athlete of the Year for their respective sport as the league announced the 2009-10 recipients on Thursday.

Kuipers became the second Rice basketball player in as many years to be recognized. Aleks Perka was named the 2008-09 recipient.

For more information, go to RiceOwls.com.

Staff Changes

Rice University basketball coach Ben Braun has announced Marco Morcos, who has served as the program’s Director of Basketball Operations the past two years, has been elevated to assistant coach. Braun also announced Gaelyn Rose has been named the Owls’ Director of Basketball Operations.

In his former position, Morcos worked in an administrative role for the Owls. With his new appointment, the former high school coach returns to the familiar setting of working with student-athletes on the court. Additionally, he will have an extended role in recruiting.

Rose graduated from Rice University in May after working three years as a student manager for the basketball program.

For more information, go to RiceOwls.com.