Kieron Robert Nnamdi Achara MBE (born 3 July 1983) is a Scottish professional basketball player who last played for the Glasgow Rocks. He is a 6'10" (2.08 m) forward who played college basketball at Duquesne University and represented Scotland and Great Britain at national team level.
Professional career
After graduating from Duquesne University Achara turned professional in 2008. He began his career abroad in Italy. He came back to Scotland in 2010 when he joined Scotland's only professional basketball team, the Glasgow Rocks. On 26 September 2010, Achara debuted for the Glasgow Rocks in a game against Sheffield Sharks, which they won 80–76. Following two successful years in Spain Achara signed a short two-week contract in 2012 with the Glasgow Rocks. After further spells in Europe, Achara re-signed for the Rocks for the 2014-15 season.[2] He retired in 2019 after reaching three BBL Cup finals with the team (2015, 2017 and 2019), finishing on the losing side on each occasion.[3]
Achara was recognised by Stirling Highland Games as a famous born son of Stirling and offered him the honorary position as their 2019 Games Chieftain.[4]
National team career
Achara is the youngest player ever to play for the Scotland national team, featuring in the FIBA Europe Promotion Cup. He made his debut for Great Britain in 2008, shortly before turning professional.[5] Achara was a part of the British Basketball team which took part in the London 2012 Olympics.
References
- ^ Basketball player Heads for a seven-figure salary as he signs for spanish club | Teenager makes the jump to higher things in Europe, The Herald, 28 August 2001
- ^ Glasgow Rocks skipper Kieron Achara reveals family struggles that inspired him to hit big time, Mark Woods, Daily Record, 10 January 2015
- ^ Kieron Achara to retire at the end of the season, British Basketball League, 21 March 2019
- ^ "2019 Starts with a slam dunk for Stirling Highland Games". Stirling Highland Games. 11 January 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "Outlook's sunny for basketball star". Scotland on Sunday. 28 July 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2008.