Curtis Kelly joins Hapoel Tel Aviv

Curtis Kelly is Hapoel Tel Aviv′s latest addition. The American forward signed his first professional deal, after spending the last five seasons playing basketball for UCONN and Kansas State in the NCAA.
 
Kelly, a 203-cm tall forward was born on April 11 1988 in the Bronx, New York. He spent his two first years in college with UCONN, prior to transferring to Kansas State. He didn′t play in 2008/2009 due to transfer rules, but in the last two seasons he was a key figure for the team.
 
In 2009/2010 the 23-year old averaged 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, while in his senior season - 2010/2011 his stats were 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.
 
Kelly is the second American on the team roster, along with Demontez Stitt, while experienced forward Cory Carr has an Israeli pаssport.   The rookie Kelly is set to replace another American on the team - Tracy Smith, who left without appearing in an official game, because he couldn′t adapt well to the way of life in Israel.