DES MOINES, IOWA -- Drake sophomore guard
Frank Wiseler is getting a jump start on the 2009-10 basketball campaign.
Wiseler was chosen to play for the Luxembourg National Basketball Team in the XIII Games of the Small States of Europe. It is the official team of the Basketball Federation of Luxembourg.
There are six teams in the tournament which runs Tuesday through Saturday in Nicosia, Cyprus.
"I am very proud to be selected," said Wiseler. "Playing for my country is always an honor.
"Being one of the youngest players, I'm really grateful to our national coach for trusting and choosing me for the team."
Participating countries are Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino. Luxembourg plays host Cyprus in the opening round Tuesday.
Wiseler is anxious to get back on the basketball court after being redshirted this past season at Drake.
The six-foot point guard thinks the tournament will be an opportunity to improve his game for the upcoming college season.
"I'm very excited to be back on the hardwood for real games," said Wiseler, who is majoring in international business and psychology at Drake. "I'm convinced this will be good preparation for next season."
Wiseler also was a member of the 2008 Luxembourg National Team. He was a four-year starter at Urspring Academy in Schelklingen/Ehingen Germany and captain of the team which won the Germany Under-19 national championships in 2007 and 2008.
Wiseler credits Drake head coach
Mark Phelps and strength and conditioning coach
Mike Burch for developing his game last season.
"They gave me an excellent preparation for next year," said Wiseler. "I think I'm stronger and quicker than before I came to Drake. Coach Phelps and his staff made me work a lot on my ball handling and shooting skills.
"I'm convinced that I used this year at its best to work on my game. But I can't wait to play my first game with the Bulldogs next season to find out how much I really have progressed."