Bronx, N.Y. – Fordham University head men's basketball coach
Jeff Neubauer announced today the addition of
David Pekárek, a native of the Czech Republic, to the 2015-2016 roster.
"We are excited that David decided to join us," said Neubauer. "He is a talented forward that is capable of playing multiple positions. David has very good ball handling skills for his size and is a good shooter with deep range. He also has excellent court vision and plays with good feel and understands how to play the game."
Pekárek, a 6-7 forward who played at Get Better Academy, was selected to play for the Czech Republic National Team on their Under 19, Under 18, and Under 16 teams. He participated in the U18 European Championships in Turkey last summer. Additionally, he participated in the European Championships U16 in Lithuania in 2013.
The team's leading scorer, Pekárek helped the Get Better Academy U19 team win the Cholet Mondial Basketball International title, earning tournament MVP honors while averaging 18 ppg, including registering a pair of double-doubles. The tournament is one of the most prestige tournaments in Europe, hosting some of the elite European basketball players like Bogdan Bogdanovic (Euroleague - Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul), Thomas Huertel (Euroleague - EFES Istanbul), Nicolas Batum (NBA - Portland Trail Blazers) or Andréa Bargnani (NBA - New York Knicks).
Pekárek also enjoyed success at the National Prep School Invitational held last February in Rhode Island, earning Player of the Game honors in a win over Bill Carothers Secondary School.
Julian Betko, Pekárek's coach at Get Better Academy, is familiar with the NCAA, playing in the United States at Butler for three seasons, starting his junior and senior year. In 2006-07 Betko helped lead the Bulldogs to the NCAA Sweet 16.
