Omri Casspi Scores with Sacramento NBA Fans

Omri Casspi, the first Israeli ever to be picked in the first-round of the NBA draft, is quickly making a name for himself in Sacramento. In Monday's 127-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the 6'9" Casspi scored 15 points in 30 minutes, impressive totals for any NBA rookie in his first official game. The cameras at Arco Arena quickly spotted a young man waving the blue-and-white flag of Israel among the sell-out crowd, and it was clear Casspi already has a growing fan contingent in Sacramento. With that appearance Casspi became the first player from Israel ever to play in an NBA regular-season game.

In a postgame interview Casspi talked about the importance of winning the Kings home opener, and playing alongside Guard Kevin Martin and Forward Andres Nocioni.

Tuesday, in a 113-105 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Casspi contributed 5 points in 15 minutes, as new Kings coach Paul Westphal continued to experiment with his young lineup. The Kings boast the leagues third-youngest roster, including rookies Casspi, Guard Tyreke Evans (Memphis) and John Brockman (Washington).

The 21-year-old Casspi lists Yavne, Israel as his home. He has played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Galil Elyon as a professional, and was fourth in balloting for last year's FIBA European Young Men's Player of the Year.