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Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008

BASKETBALL: Slam's Hartley signs to play in Austria

The Bellingham Slam have announced, Tuesday, Aug. 19, that guard Brandon Hartley has signed a contract to play overseas this winter. Hartley will play with the Wörthersee Pirates, a first-division team in Austria. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Hartley, one of three Slam players to still play with the team since its inception in 2005, will be starting his fourth professional season this winter. He is the first of what is expected to be several Slam players to sign a contact to continue playing basketball overseas this winter. He also spent a season with the World Basketball Association's Mayas-USA franchise last summer, helping the team to a league championship.

Hartley is regarded as one of the Slam's defensive leaders. His strong play late this season helped the Slam advance through the International Basketball League playoffs and capture the league championship against the Elkhart Express on July 18. Hartley finished this season averaging 11.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.