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Published Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 | 4:21 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 | 4:36 p.m.
Former UNLV shooting guard Wink Adams has signed a one-year contract to play basketball in Turkey, according to the European hoops Web site Sportando.net.
Adams will play for Oyak Renault in Bursa, Turkey, in the Beko Basketball League. Oyak will play in the top division for a fourth consecutive season in 2009-10.
Adams didn’t return phone calls seeking comment.
“When he told me that I’m like, Turkey?” said Adams’s mother, Reandre, from Houston. “They’re going to send my baby way out there? Oh my God. But he’s excited, he’s happy and whatever is meant for him I’m with him.
“I wish it would have went the other way, but it’s good for him. Wherever God sends him. I’m excited for him.”
He averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Rebels last season. He got scant playing time for the New York Knicks’ entry in the NBA Summer League last month at UNLV.
Adams, 24, realized a dream when he played for UNLV. If and when he plays in the NBA, Reandre, known as “Mama Wink” throughout Houston, said she won’t be able to contain herself.
“I told him just to have faith and believe, and go play the same way you did at UNLV,” said Mama Wink. “Keep playing well and be Winky. Don’t change. Still be Winky. I don’t care where you go, just keep putting up them ‘threes,’ keep hustling and keep running down the court.”
Oyak is the club team for the Renault Automobile Factory. Bursa, in the heart of the country’s automotive region, is on the southern edge of the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul is on the other side.
The team finished 10th (at 13-17) in the 16-team league last season, 12th (12-18) in 2007-08 and 13th (9-21) in 2006-07. It is 15-15 at home, in the Bursa Ataturk Sport Hall, over the past two seasons.
I wish Wink the best luck in life. It has been so much fun watching him play these last 4 years. So many clutch shots and great memories. My all time favorite is the last second "And 1" against TCU in the 2008 MWC Tourney. Tie and win the game in the last play, that how its done Wink. Go kick ass in Turkey now.
Thanks for bringing us back into the big picture Wink. Your impact on the UNLV basketball program has been enormous. Best of luck, and hope to see playing state side again!
Couldn't agree more with the first two posts. Wink being a top 50 recruit and choosing UNLV was huge for us. Wish him all the best!
There are far worse ways to spend your twenties than traveling around the world, playing basketball and getting paid!
Have a great time and stay safe, Wink!
nyrebel, touche. You said it. Getting about six figures, having a car and pad paid for, taxes picked up by the club ... yeah, not bad at all.
"just keep putting up them 'threes,'"--
oh, Mama. now we know why Wink's career went down the toilet.
I hope people dont judge Wink on his senior season. He will always be one of my favorite Rebels off All Time. He was clutch and had soo many big shots over the years. He opened the door for the guys we are getting now! Its gone from(no ofense) John Whinston to the worst now being a class with a least two top 100 rated players. It is so nice to see people having an opinion about Rebel basketball. Would people still blog like this if we had pevious coaches?
His 5-second defensive stalemate sealed the victory against Georgia Tech during the Sweet 16 run. Game was a toss-up before that.
He was a big part of all three tourney wins, post-Tark.
Wink is by far one of my favorite Rebels ever. He helped put UNLV back on the map and I can't thank him enough for that. I will proudly wear my #1 jersey to the T & M all season. Good luck Wink, we're all pulling for you.
Agreed his defense against GaTech won the game, along with Kruger burying some key 3 pointers. In a lifetime of many great Rebel moments and games, that 2007 sweet 16 run was one of the best, would not have happened if not for Wink Adams. Thanks, Wink, and best of luck in your professional career.