The Utah Eagles continue shuffling players as ex-Ute Bryant Markson leaves to play for a team in Israel.
General Manager Derrick Pearson realizes that is part of the game in the CBA. He said, "They're going to be seen, they're going to be exposed and we know if the guy is playing well, someone is going to take him from us."
Markson was playing well. He was leading the league in field goal percentage at 62 percent. His 18.5 per game scoring average will be missed by the Eagles.
As a replacement, the Eagles will sign Rashann Smith, a 7-footer out of Fresno State. He has been playing in Argentina and Utah has been waiting for international clearance as well as league clearance. He will accompany the team on their road trip to Yakima, Wash., for games on Jan. 10 and 12.
The Eagles need an inside presence which they are hoping he will provide. Pearson said the team is looking at a couple of other players as well, including Roger Powell who was recently released by the Utah Jazz.
The Eagles know a major part of their role is to develop players. Coach Scott Williams explained: "If players were not leaving to make more money elsewhere, we are not doing our job."
E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com