Egyptian basketball player
Assem Ahmed Marei (Arabic: عاصم مرعي) is an Egyptian professional basketball player for Changwon LG Sakers of the Korean Basketball League (KBL). He also represents the senior Egyptian national team internationally.
Marei first played for Egyptian side Zamalek SC, before being recognized by other leagues at the FIBA U-19 world Championship. He averaged 3rd most points per game, most steals per game, and 2nd most rebounds in the tournament right after Jonas Valančiūnas. Marei played for NCAA Division II side Minnesota State 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, competed for the Egyptian Olympic team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and averaged 2.3 points per game.
Marei started playing basketball at the age of 8 after his father encouraged both him and his brother to play the sport. 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.
Šiauliai (2015–2016)
In September 2015, Marei signed with BC Šiauliai of the Lithuanian LKL.[1]
Medi Bayreuth (2016–2018)
On June 17, 2016, Marei signed with Medi Bayreuth of the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).[2] He re-signed with the team on May 22, 2017.[3]
Pınar Karşıyaka (2018–2019)
On July 19, 2018, Marei signed with Pınar Karşıyaka of the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL).[4] He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2018–19 season after averaging 17.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in the regular season.[5]
Bamberg (2019–2020)
On July 21, 2019, Marei signed a two-year contract with German powerhouse Brose Bamberg.[6] Marei averaged 10.1 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.[7]
Metropolitans 92 (2020)
On September 21, 2020, Marei signed with Metropolitans 92 of LNB Pro A.[7]
Galatasaray (2020–2021)
On December 29, 2020, Marei signed with Galatasaray of the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL).[8]
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.[9]
Honours
Egyptian junior national team
2012–13 season
- Second Team All-NSIC, NSIC All-Tournament Team, NCAA All-Central Region Team, 2012 NSIC Winter All-Academic Team
2013–14 season
- First Team All-NSIC, DII Bulletin All-American Honorable Mention, NSIC All-Tournament Team
2014–15 season
- First Team All-NSIC, Daktronics Central Region First Team, NABC Central Region First Team
References
External links