Buccs import Isby plays for family

American import DeAngelo Isby has one goal: to make enough money from basketball so he can lift his family from poverty.

The latest addition to the Geraldton Buccaneers, Isby is one of nine siblings raised by a single mother from Chicago who encouraged his knack for basketball, a sport he’s been playing on Illinois streets since he was three.

Eventually, the 195cm athlete wants to return to development competition the NBA G-League or play alongside the global names in the NBA — more for fortune than fame.

“It’s more than a game to me,” the 22-year-old said.

“It’s a way out for my family and a way to give back to them, to thank them for everything.”

Fresh from playing in a Slovakian league, Isby arrived in Australia last Wednesday and will join the Buccs on their campaign against Cockburn in Perth tonight.

Despite arriving late in the season, Isby said he had had no issues adjusting and was prepared to do some “serious damage” in the SBL.

“I definitely won’t be limited as a player and I’m very confident in my playmaking and scoring ability,” Isby said.

“We will definitely win, I’m not concerned about that.”

Isby was signed after the Buccs cut ties with former Chicago import Willie Conner last week.

Coach Dayle Joseph said at the time, it was a difficult decision to release Conner.

“He just wasn’t quite filling the role of the player we needed to be where we want to be at the end of the season,” he said.

Geraldton Buccaneers play Willeton Tigers at Willeton Basketball Stadium at 7pm.

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ABOUT ‘DELO’

Favourite current NBA player? LeBron James.

Favourite NBA player of all time? I have to say Michael Jordan, I just can’t give it to LeBron.

Will Golden State or Toronto win the NBA Finals? Golden State for sure. Steph Curry is playing at an unbelievable level.

What’s your nickname? DeLo.

What other sports do you like? American football.

Where did you play before Geraldton? Slovakia.

Ultimate goal: Get back to the NBA or play in the G-League again.