Taiwan Mobile signs Mario Boggan

Taiwan Mobile brought in American forward Mario Boggan and released Taiwanese-German center Jufan Geiger, making Boggan the second SBL import for the upcoming season.

The other import player is Dacin's Byron Allen.

Local Chinese newspaper Apple Daily reported that Boggan, a 6-6 bully forward-center, will get a monthly salary of US$10,000. Boggan came from Oklahoma State, where he averaged 19 points and 7.6 rebounds and was named All Big-12 First Team in 2006-07.

Taiwan Mobile head coach Cheng Chih-lung expcted Boggan to solidify TM's interior defense and make huge contribution on the offensive end as well. Geiger, Cheng said without elaboration, was released because he did not fit in with the team's need.

Geiger said in an email that he was informed of the release but was not told why he did not meet the team's need.

The SBL allows imports-hiring for non-playoff teams. However, teams that failed to make the playoffs have been reluctant to do so due to budget problem amid the global economy crisis.

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Mario Boggan profile:

Born Sept. 30, 1983

Career:
Durham, N.C. (Chipola College)
(Hargrave Military Academy)
2004-2005: University of Florida (NCAA)
2005-2006: Oklahoma St. (NCAA): 33 games: 14.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 82.1%
2006-2007: Oklahoma St. (NCAA): 34 games: 19.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3Pts: 22.0%, FT: 76.1%
2007: Drafted by Oklahoma Storm (USBL,3rd(28))
2007 July: NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (Denver Nuggets)
2007: Drafted by Yakama Sun Kings (CBA,2rd(20))
2007-2008: Before the season was tested by JDA Dijon Bourgogne (FRA-ProA), but not signed, in Sep.'07 agreed terms with Spotter Leuven (Belgium-D1, starting five): 13 games: 14.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 80.0%, released in Dec.'07, in Jan.'08 signed by Darussafaka Istanbul (Turkey-TBL, starting five) but never showed up, in Feb.'08 tested by Polpak Swiecie (Poland-DBE, starting five), released in Feb.'08, then joined Anaheim Arsenal (D-League): 6 games: 1.2ppg, 1.2rpg, in Mar.'08 moved to Rio Grande Valley Vipers (D-League)
2008-2009: Vitoria SC/M.Couto Alves (Portugal-UZO Liga, starting five), left in Oct.'08, in Dec.'08 moved to East Kentucky Miners (CBA)

Awards/Achievements:
All-Big 12 Honorable Mention -06
NABC All-NCAA District 12 1st Team -07
Big 12 Tournament Semifinals -07
All-Big 12 1st Team -07
(Source: Eurobasket.com)

(Photo source: Apple Daily)