Assem Marei
| No. 50 – Medi Bayreuth | |
|---|---|
| Position | Power forward |
| Personal information | |
| Born | June 16, 1992 Giza, Egypt |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 250 lb (113 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Minnesota State (2011–2015) |
| NBA draft | 2015: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2015–present |
| Career history | |
| 2010–2011 | Zamalek |
| 2015–2016 | Šiauliai |
| 2016–present | Medi Bayreuth |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Assem Ahmed Marei (Arabic: عاصم مرعي) is an Egyptian basketball player who currently plays for Medi Bayreuth and the Egyptian national basketball team.[1]
Marei first played for Egyptian side Zamalek SC, before being recognized by other leagues at the FIBA U-19 world Championship. Assem averaged 3rd most points per game, most steals per game, and 2nd most rebounds in the tournament right after Jonas Valančiūnas. Marei had plenty of offers in other leagues, but eventually chose to play for NCAA Division 2 side Minnesota State University Mavericks for a scholarship at the Minnesota State University.
Early life
Marei was born on June 16, 1992 from parents who were both former basketball players at Zamalek SC. His father, Ahmed Marei, who played pivot as well, is considered a legend for basketball fans in Egypt, he competed for the Egyptian Olympic team at the Los Angeles Games in 1984 and averaged 2.3 point per game.
Marei started playing basketball at the age of 8 after his father encouraged both him and his brother to play for the sport he thrived for before retiring for the same club he played for throughout his entire career. Marei made an impact through every age-leveled team he played for, coaches across the league recognized him as a player with great potential who had a bright future ahead of him. Marei joined the national team at the age of 16.
Professional career
Zamalek SC (2010–2011)
Marei played for his home club Zamalek until 2011, when he left for the Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks. During his time at the club he was known to be the best pivot on the team and one of the best in the country, his impact with the team got the club back in competition for the league title with league leaders Al Ittihad, Gezira, Sporting, and Zamalek's archrivals, Al Ahly.
Šiauliai (2015–2016)
In September 2015, Marei signed with BC Šiauliai of the Lithuanian LKL.[2]
Medi Bayreuth (2016 - present)
On June 17, 2016, Marei signed with Medi Bayreuth which play in BBL
International career
Marei played at the AfroBasket 2011, 2013 and 2015 with Egypt.
Marei led the AfroBasket 2013 in rebounding, averaging 11.6 per game. He was also named to the AfroBasket All-Tournament Team.[3]
Honours
- AfroBasket All-Tournament Team
- 2013
- Rebound Leader in 2013 Afrobasket
- Steal leader in 2011 U-19 World championship
- All-NSIC Second Team, NSIC All-Tournament Team, NCAA All-Central Region Team, 2012 NSIC Winter All-Academic Team: 2012-13 season
- First Team All-NSIC, DII Bulletin All-American Honorable Mention, NSIC All-Tournament Team: 2013-14 season
- All-NSIC First Team, Daktronics Central Region First Team honors, NABC Central Region First Team honors
References
- "Assem Marei - 2014-15 Men's Basketball". Retrieved 2016-02-12.