Tuesday, June 30, 1998
Ashby gets
shot to play
The former Wahine
By Al Chase
joins a team in
Luxembourg
Star-BulletinBrandi Ashby knew she still had some basketball left in her after the conclusion of the University of Hawaii Wahine season.
The two women's professional leagues in this country had not shown any interest in the 6-foot-2 power forward. With the help of UH assistant men's coach Bob Nash and a highlight tape, Ashby explored options overseas.
Everything finally came together earlier this month when the Sebree, Ky., resident signed a contract to play for Amicale Steinsel in the Luxembourg Basketball Federation's women's league.
"I'm really excited," Ashby said. "It's a great motivator. Hey, I'll be getting paid. This is my job. I better do really well."
Ashby actually works out twice each day. During the day she works for her father's business and at night she practices with a men's team run by her former high school coach.
"I've got a college degree and here I am driving a tractor, shoveling gravel, filling pot holes . . . I'm tired," she said.
Ashby leaves for Europe the first week of August. She said her contract forbids her from revealing her salary for the nine-month season, but it includes some perks.
"The team provides a furnished apartment, a car and one meal a day," she said. "And, I get two round-trip tickets."
But her nightly workouts under the guidance of her high school coach have kept her focused.
"It's just like a long Wahine practice," she said.
Her Finland-based agent, Jonathan Schlegel of Twin Towers Basketball, told Ashby the level of play in Luxembourg might be lower than what she was used to in college. He said she might get frustrated at times, but her spot with the team was guaranteed.
Opportunities in Finland and elsewhere did not offer a guarantee.
Schlegel said there would be scouts at her games which could lead to advancement.
"That will keep me motivated in the second half of the season if things aren't going well," Ashby said. "I know it's going to be chilly. I'm not looking forward to that at all, but I'm real happy about the opportunity."
Ashby leaves for Europe the first week of August. She said her contract forbids her from revealing her salary for the nine-month season, but it includes some perks.
"The team provides a furnished apartment, a car and one meal a day," she said. "And, I get two round-trip tickets."
Ashby started all 57 games she appeared in during her two-year career at UH. She scored 478 points (8.4 per game), had 437 rebounds (7.7 per game) and blocked 55 shots.
