Player Update - Romain Sato

Romain Sato spent three fourths of his career playing second fiddle to David West. That being said the 6'3" guard from the Central African Republic was one the hardest players to say goodbye to on Senior Night in 2004. The number three scorer in XU history with 2,005 career points was also the number eight rebounder overall with 892 caroms. The rebounding stat jumps out to me more than the points. It speaks to the overall atheleticism 'Sat' enjoys. Romain was drafted in 2004 by the San Antonio Spurs and sat out for them the entire 2005 season on injured reserve. He was awarded a championship ring even though he did not play any minutes for the Spurs. With that not quite working out the way he would have hoped Romain joined a team in the Italian Second Division team Sicc Cucine Jesi. He was the leagues second leading scorer in the 05-06 season with 25.5 per contest to go along with 7.5 rebounds a game. After leaving Sicc Cucine Jesi (say that three times fast) he had a short stint in Barcelona. He returned to Italy to play for Montespachi Siena where he helped the team bring home the Italian title. In that game he led the Italian Champions with 14 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

It is easy to root for a guy like Romain and I hope he enjoys continued success. He will always be one of my all time favorite players in Musketeer lore. There is a well told story on campus that during his first workout with then assistant coach Mark Schmidt (who is notoriously a ball buster in these one on one sessions) Romain withstood the punishment and repeatedly said 'thank you coach' over and over again to the point Schmitty had to start laughing. According to azcentral.com, an Arizona media website, the Phoenix Suns have their eye on this former Muskie. Never know, we may see one more Xavier alum in the NBA. If not Romain will enjoy a long career playing basketball overseas because he does not count on teams rosters as an American citizen. Well that won't be the only reason he lasts, but that certainly helps as most foreign leagues have the rule that no more than two Americans can be on their roster. Sato had one of the most fluid, effortless jumpshots I have ever seen anybody have for us and again he is one of my favorites of all time.