Lucas Bebe Signs With Toronto Raptors

Rio de Janeiro: Lucas Bebe has become the sixth Brazilian to play in the NBA after being signed by the Toronto Raptors.

The 22-year-old centre joined the club after three seasons with Spain's Asefa Estudiantes, reports Xinhua.

"This is a very special day for me, the realisation of a dream," Bebe told Brazilian daily Globoesporte Sunday. "It's a been a long and tough road. Now I'm going work hard to earn my place in the team. I'm focused and very happy."

The Raptors also announced the signing of point guard Will Cherry from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Details of the players' contracts were not revealed.

Bebe is joined at the Raptors by countryman Bruno Caboclo. Other Brazilians to play in the NBA are Nene (Washington Wizards), Anderson Varejao (Cleveland Cavaliers), Vitor Faverani (Boston Celtics) and Tiago Splitter (San Antonio Spurs).

IANS