The Westports Malaysia Dragons have announced the signing of Cedric Bozeman and Gavin Edwards to the team. Both players have a wealth of experience playing around the world as well as in the NCAA for storied programs.

29 years old, Cedric Bozeman (198 cm), comes from Los Angeles, USA. He played for the UCLA Bruins, reaching the National Championship game in 2006. Bozeman will be the first player ever on the Dragons' roster that has played in the NBA. He played for the Atlanta Hawks as a guard, making five career starts. Since then, he has played in numerous countries and leagues, including China, Belgium, Philippines, as well as the NBA D-League. Bozeman will start for the Dragons at the small forward position.

How has your experience been after being in Malaysia for a week?

CB: "So far the adjustment has been good. I played in the Philippines before so I kind of expected the weather to be like this. The rest has been great."

What have you seen from the team so far?

CB: "We have a lot of hard workers and great shooters. It seems like everyone likes each other. Right now it is a work in progress but we'll be a good and unselfish team. We will play hard for each other and I think this will be very exciting."

Tell me about your experience playing for the UCLA Bruins. What was it like making the National Championship Game in your final year?

CB: "Being from Los Angeles and having the chance to play for UCLA, a team with tradition, it was just an honor. A lot of past greats played there like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest basketball players. Playing in the National Championship was a blessing in disguise. The previous year, I blew my knee out and had to redshirt the season so it gave me a chance to come back. It was a great experience for me."

What has it been like playing around the world?

CB: "Traveling has been great to be able to see all parts of the world. I haven't been to Australia yet. Maybe one day I'll get there. Just having a chance to indulge in different cultures has been great."

What do you want to say to our DragonFans?

CB: "Expect us to play hard and we'll give you guys a good product on the court."

The Dragons' other import, 24 years old Gavin Edwards (206 cm) is from Arizona, USA. He played for UConn Huskies under Jim Calhoun, a Hall-of-Fame coach. Edwards also played in South Korea, Ukraine, Greece, and in the NBA D-League for Springfield Armor. He will start for the Dragons at the center position.

How has your experience been after being in Malaysia for a week?

GE: "It's been easy to get acclimated and adjusted to everything because Kuala Lumpur is pretty westernize. I can find a lot of the same food I get at home. It's been good except for the humidity."

What have you seen from the team so far?

GE: "I like the style of play from this team because it matches the way I play. Everyone can shoot pretty well."

Tell me about your experience playing under Jim Calhoun and for UConn.

GE: "Jim Calhoun was a difficult coach to play for at first because he yells a lot and he was very tough on his players. I think it helped me become a way better basketball player than I would be otherwise. I really appreciate being able to play for him. It was great playing for UConn. We had some really good teams, with a lot of really good players. It's great to even be able to go back there and practice whenever they practice. It's a lot like a brotherhood."

What are the biggest differences playing in the NBA D-League, and playing outside the United States?

GE: "The D-League is wild. A lot of run and gun and not very organized basketball. A lot of teams overseas play a lot smarter and they make a lot better plays. The D-League was just putting a bunch of shots up. It's a way different style of play."

How do you see the team doing this year?

GE: "I see us making a good playoff run if not winning the championship."

What would you like to say to our DragonFans?

GE: "We really appreciate your support. We will give you a good season and something to be proud of."

The Dragons will play their first three ABL games away: @ Ho Chi Minh City against Saigon Heat (12 Jan 2013), @ Bangkok against Chang Thailand Slammers (18 Jan 2013), @ Jakarta against Indonesia Warriors (22 Jan 2013). The first home game for the Dragons is on 26 Jan 2013 when Indonesia Warriors come to town. The game will be played at 3:00 PM in MABA Stadium.

For more information on the Dragons, please visit www.kldragons.com, like their Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/OfficialKLDragons, and follow them on Twitter @KLDRAGONS.

    

Tweet