Rossendale Raptors have made a big step forward by strengthening their squad with Italian star Pape Samb. Pape Samb, affectionately known as Papis, has signed from BBL team the Manchester Giants.
Papis has also played for European sides Cesano in Italy, Anvers in Belgium, Lugano Switzerland and also for the Middlesbrough Lions. He was runner up in the player of the year voting behind Raptors Steven Gayle in 2011/12 and the Raptors have been keen on the 6’5 guard since they faced him during his time at Middlesbrough. Papis will bring some extra offensive firepower to the Raptors who have been impressed with his quickness, shooting and ability to get to the basket as he’s practiced in the last few days.
Papis has expressed how happy he is to be playing for Rossendale for the rest of the season. “The team here is very good. I spoke with Steven Gayle and he said it was a great place to be. I’m enjoying it and am excited to start playing.”
Ken Masser was delighted to confirm the transfer “Papis is a very good player, and a really nice man as well. He’s got a very broad skill set which is going to help us at both ends of the floor. He’s quick, he can get to the basket, and will give us some length on the perimeter. At 6’5 he is very athletic and quick for his size, and we’re excited to see how he fits in with the team. I think having Gayle and Samb in the back court is going to give a few teams some match-up problems. They are both very hard to stay in front of!”
“We’ve been impressed with Papis for a couple of years and have had conversations previously, so I’m really pleased to have him here with us. What I’m most impressed with is his attitude to the game, the way he’s been helping the younger players to learn and develop in practice, and with how nicely he’s fitted in with the team. He’s going to be a great addition for us on a number of levels.”
Papis will be making his debut on Saturday against Sheffield Saints. The game is at 5:15pm at Haslingden Sports Centre.
Picture: Papis going head to head with Steven Gayle in 2011
Check out some highlights of Papis from his time at Middlesbrough…..