Stephen Arigbabu

Career: Braunschweig (Germany – Bundesliga, 1992-94), SSV Ulm (Germany – Bundesliga, 1994-96), ALBA Berlin (Germany – Bundesliga, 1996-98), Papagou Athens (Greece – ESAK, 1998-99), Panionios Athens (Greece – ESAK, 1999-00), Dafni Athens (Greece – ESAK, 2000-01), Rhein Energy Cologne (Germany – Bundesliga, 2001-03), Mitteldeutscher BC (Germany – Bundesliga, 2003-04), Euro Roseto (Italy – SerieA, 2004-05).

Arigbabu has always played a small role coming from the bench with the NT. But he’s still here. He has not missed an international competition since 1997. He is a very strong center. He’s “only” 2,05 m but he weighs around 120 kilos. He’s relatively slow but always plays with great intensity. He knows how to use his bulk on the defensive end, especially against the big and strong bodies. Not very efficient against quicker opponents. His poor leaping ability has limited him from becoming a great shot blocker. He has always been a great back-up for Patrick Fermeling on the NT because of their complementarily profiles. At 33, he probably had his best individual season in the very competitive Italian League (8.0 points and 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 steal in 22 minutes).