Aug. 17, 2005

Duquesne junior center Kieron Achara, competing as a member of the Scottish Senior Men's National Team, was named Most Valuable Player of the South Africa Tournament played in Johannesburg on August 5-7. The 6-9 Stirling, Scotland native averaged 21.3 points and 8.0 rebounds as the Scots went 2-1 in the tournament designed to help South Africa, Angola Select and Mozambique prepare for the African championship.

Achara opened the tournament with 12 points and nine rebounds in a 78-68 win over Angola Select and followed that with 26 points and six boards in an 83-81 victory over Mozambique. He finished the three-game tournament with 26 more points and nine rebounds in a 90-76 loss to South Africa. The 2004-05 Atlantic 10 Chris Daniels Award winner (most-improved player) shot 83 percent from the foul line (20-of-24) and averaged 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. He even connected on 4-of-8 3-point attempts.

"I think with every international competition I grow more as a player," said Achara. "I feel a lot more relaxed. It really meant a lot to me to be named MVP of the tournament because I had never faced players that were so athletic and quick. It feels good to show that you can play at that level. It gives me confidence entering the [Duquesne's] season."

Earlier in the summer Achara led the senior men in scoring in three of four games at the Spuerkess Cup tournament in Luxembourg. He averaged 16.0 ppg. as the Scots, playing without three regulars, dropped two games to England and two more to the host in the four-game Cup played from May 19-22.

To read Kieron's blogs from this summer click on the link and find them on the right side of the page.