Welcome Mr. Vargas: Eloy Vargas to debut for the DFenders ?

Mr. Vargas is originally from the Dominican

THE Lakers, seemingly, like Eloy Vargas.  In fact, they tried to sign him recently but due to "International Rules" they weren't able to.  Enter the DFenders.  Vargas had just signed a contract with Puerto Rico but the organization (Lakers) still wanted him so they requested that he participate in this year's NBA D-League Draft.  The DFenders took him with their First Pick at No. 17 overall.  Word is that the Iowa Stampede wanted to select him at number seven but Eloy felt obligated to the Lakers organization for bringing him back to the U.S and politely let Iowa know that.

 THE "6'11" Forward/Center from Kentucky SHOULD be making his debut tonight in EL SEGUNDO as the DFenders take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at 7pm.

Mr. Vargas had to sit out one more game, again related to rules, regulations and his Visa.  It was thought that Mr. Vargas would be available to play last game.

Vargas did not get many minutes at the University of Kentucky but since has shown nice agility for his size, especially his ability to recover on defense and use his length in rebounding and blocking shots.

The DFenders need some help on the front line.  Roscoe Smith, who at 6-8 is averaging a nice double-double of 17.5 POINTS and 16.5 BOARDS cannot do it alone up front.  Smith, who was the Lakers NBA Summer League Squad, is looking good thus far and making a statement about his NBA readiness.

Travis Hyman, the seven-foot Center, is entering his third campaign with the DFenders.   His minutes (15.0) per game are down slightly from last year's average of 18.9 yet he is still pulling down 6 Boards per contest.  It has ONLY been two games and he has gotten into foul trouble so we shall see how Hyman progresses throughout the season.  He added weight this off season, 10-15 pounds, and also worked heavily on his shot.  Last year, Hyman didn't get that involved in a "D'Antoni-schemed" offense that relied more on players like Brandon Costner and James Southerland.  Costner, a 6-10 Forward, averaged 14.5 points 6 Rebounds last season while Southerland, who joined the Pelicans at the end of last season averaged 14.7 Points and 6.5 Boards.  Those players are gone.

With guards like Manny Harris, newly acquired Vander Blue and Josiah Turner it will be nice to have another Big that can board and move.

So,

La bienvenida a

 Los Angeles

Señor Vargas

Welcome!