By Rigas Dardalis/ Dardalis@eurohoops.net
His transition from NCAA to European basketball was not an easy ride, but in the end it was successful. John Diebler made a name for himself and he is the target of many European clubs this summer, including Bayern Munich. Coach Dirk Bauermann’s team has an interest for the former Ohio State player, but he seems to have different priorities.
Diebler will try his luck with the Blazers in the summer league of Las Vegas from 13 until 22 of July. The 24 years old guard want to convince Blazers (who picked him at number 58 of the 2011 NBA draft) that he deserves a contract. If he doesn’t make it, then he will negotiate his possible return to Europe first of all with Panionios, the team he played for last season and where he feels “bounded” in every way.
Diebler believes that he learned a lot in the Nea Smirni club and he had a great year off the court with his wife Caitlin during their stay in Athens. That, of course, doesn’t mean he will stay in Panionios, if he is not signed by the Blazers, no matter what. However, he had informed the team brass that before he signs anywhere else in Europe, he will give them first option.
The former Buckeye in the start of June traveled in Beijing, China, where he took part in a charity basketball tournament, organized by the YMCA in which he is a member.