Luqman Jaaber Signs with 1st Round Sports Management

Luqman Jaaber, three-time Virginia Union University MVP and two-time South Atlantic Region men’s Scholar Athlete of the Year, has signed a management agreement with Richmond, Virginia-based 1st Round Sports Management.

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) December 29, 2005 -- Luqman Jaaber, three-time Virginia Union University MVP and two-time South Atlantic Region men’s Scholar Athlete of the Year, has signed a management agreement with Richmond-based 1st Round Sports Management (www.1stroundsports.com). 1st Round Sports will field opportunities allowing Jaaber to achieve the next level in his basketball career while also focusing on academics.

In order to remain in Richmond to complete his degree in computer science at Virginia Union, Jaaber passed on opportunities from the National Basketball Association Development League as well as a chance to play in Europe. A married father of three, Jaaber maintains a 3.3 grade point average and is currently playing with the Richmond Generals of the American Basketball Association (ABA).

"We are delighted to represent Luqman," said Geoffrey McDonald, founder and president of 1st Round Sports Management. "We look forward to assisting Luqman in all aspects of his basketball career. His performance on the basketball court shows that he's ready to make a successful transition to the pro game but we applaud his determination to stay in Richmond for now in order to complete his degree."

Jaaber is known for his prolific defensive tactics and coach-like persona on the court. During his Virginia Union career he led the Panthers to a NCAA Division II national title, a South Atlantic Regional tournament title, and two consecutive Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament titles.

24-year-old Jaaber led the nation in free throw shooting percentage his senior year. He also led the nation in steals as a junior and ranked eighth in the nation in steals his senior year. Currently, Jaaber holds the VUU school record with 103 steals in both his junior and senior seasons. He is the only VUU Panther to produce 10 steals in a single game.

“I have enjoyed my basketball career so far but I am eager to take it to the next level,” said Jaaber. “It is important to me to be represented by people who have watched me play since high school (George Wythe). I know and trust the people at 1st Round Sports and look forward to working with them as I pursue future career opportunities.”

What His Coaches Say:
Dave Robbins, Virginia Union University: “Luq helped us win a National Title. I have no doubt he has what it takes to make it in the NBA. Luq is the kind of person who rises to the top of anything he does. He will be the franchise player for any team he is on. If he goes into banking, he will be bank president.”

Cory Braxton, First Round: ” …tough, tenacious, a true leader. Luq is a coach’s dream and he made my job easy. After Luq helped First Round win the Johnny Newman Greater Richmond Pro-Am title, we are definitely the team to beat.”

Johnny Newman, Richmond Generals: “I am excited to have Luqman as a player. He is my coach on the floor. He is scrappy. Everyone knows about his defensive skills, but in the last couple years his jump shot has improved. I look forward to watching him move to the next level.”

What Other Players Say:
Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons: “Luq is one of those high energy guys everybody wants on their team. When he is on your team, he brings the pressure and makes your job easier. I have played with Luq and against him and I would rather have him on my team. He’s always positive. Luq is a lot like me in that people look at us and say ‘they’re too small’ for their position, but after playing a couple minutes, size doesn’t matter. I think he will be successful in the NBA.”

About 1st Round Sports Management
Founded in 2004, 1st Round Sports Management is a Richmond, Virginia-based organization helping amateur and professional athletes achieve success and excel in every aspect of their lives. 1st Round Sports is well known in the community for its annual sponsorship of the First Round basketball team in the Johnny Newman Greater Richmond Pro-Am basketball league. With Jaaber as team captain, First Round won the tournament in 2005, getting by last year’s champion, Wallace Express, led by three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Ben Wallace. 1st Round Sports offers management services for athletes in the following areas: contract negotiations, corporate marketing and consulting, media and public relations, event and sponsorship opportunities, and financial consulting. Visit www.1stroundsports.com for more information.

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