Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 | 4:21 p.m.
Former UNLV shooting guard Wink Adams has signed a one-year contract to play basketball in Turkey, according to the European hoops Web site Sportando.net.
Adams will play for Oyak Renault in Bursa, Turkey, in the Beko Basketball League. Oyak will play in the top division for a fourth consecutive season in 2009-10.
Adams didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.
“When he told me that I’m like, Turkey?” said Adams’s mother, Reandre, from Houston. “They’re going to send my baby way out there? Oh my God. But he’s excited, he’s happy and whatever is meant for him I’m with him.
“I wish it would have went the other way, but it’s good for him. Wherever God sends him. I’m excited for him.”
He averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Rebels last season. He got scant playing time for the New York Knicks’ entry in the NBA Summer League last month at UNLV.
Adams, 24, realized a dream when he played for UNLV. If and when he plays in the NBA, Reandre, known as “Mama Wink” throughout Houston, said she won’t be able to contain herself.
“I told him just to have faith and believe, and go play the same way you did at UNLV,” said Mama Wink. “Keep playing well and be Winky. Don’t change. Still be Winky. I don’t care where you go, just keep putting up them ‘threes,’ keep hustling and keep running down the court.”
Oyak is the club team for the Renault Automobile Factory. Bursa, in the heart of the country’s automotive region, is on the southern edge of the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul is on the other side.
The team finished 10th (at 13-17) in the 16-team league last season, 12th (12-18) in 2007-08 and 13th (9-21) in 2006-07. It is 15-15 at home, in the Bursa Ataturk Sport Hall, over the past two seasons.
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