Scharer joins Dragons as McCarthy leaves

PETALING JAYA: It’s been just three games but the Westports Malaysia Dragons have already made their first personnel change in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Their Filipino-American point guard Rashawn McCarthy is leaving to join the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) development league in order to get a shot at the PBA draft next year.

McCarthy, who played for the State University of New York (SUNY), only averaged 2.33 points during his short stint with the Dragons.

“It was a mutual decision to let Rashawn leave and we wish him well,” said Dragons’ head coach Ariel Vanguardia.

“He was well liked for his hard work and positive attitude, and we thank Rashawn for his contribution.”

McCarthy, however, will be replaced by a familiar face – Avery Scharer, who played a key role in the Dragons’ Malaysian National Basketball League (MNBL) campaign last year.

The 28-year-old Scharer will slot straight into the team for the next match against Saigon Heat in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday.
 
Scharer will look to provide the firepower for the Dragons’ big men – Justin Knox and Moala Tautuaa, alongside captain Ooi Ban Sin and promising youngster Tong Wen Keong.

The Dragons are currently third in the table with a 2-1 record and will fancy their chances against the Heat, who suffered their first defeat of the season – 74-77 to the Singapore Slingers last Sunday.