George brings good Kobe memories

With most of the world sharing and posting their memories since the death of former NBA Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant a few weeks ago, I am reminded of some cool memories connected to former Benilde St. Margaret’s and Augsburg University basketball star Devean George.

George, a 6’8” forward who was not highly recruited as a high school senior, attended Augsburg where he wound up a two-time Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Most Valuable Player two consecutive seasons (1998 and 1999). He averaged 27.5 points per game as senior and led them to two NCAA Division III tournament bids.

After being the 23rd selection in the 1999 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Laker, George proceeded to team with Bryant to capture three consecutive NBA titles (2000-02).

Seeing someone from Minnesota play with best and win with the best made this my favorite Kobe memory.

Former prep spotlight: Wubben leads Augsburg

Kaezha Wubben came through in Augsburg University’s 60-56 MIAC women’s basketball victory over St. Thomas last week.

The 5’-7” senior guard from Hopkins scored 7 points, 2 assists and 2 steals, forced a shot clock violation in the game’s late moments, and with 1.2 seconds remaining, swished 1 of 2 free throws to clinch the home victory.

“We had to do it,” she said of the victory. “We came out strong and we had to finish strong.”

Prep spotlight: Asberry reaches 1,000

Kaylynn Asberry became the second St. Paul Como Park girl’s basketball player to reach the 1,000-point career mark last week, scoring 21 points in a win over St. Paul Johnson.

Asberry, a 5’6” guard who has played at the varsity level since seventh grade, is averaging 15.3 points per game.

Beyond preps: Nuness at Baylor    

Former Hopkins boys’ basketball great Jared Nuness is special assistant and director of player development at Baylor University. Nuness was Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year in 1997.