Nik Caner-Medley
Encyclopedia
Nik Caner-Medley is a professional basketball player, currently with Power Electronics Valencia of Spain
's ACB
. He was named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, and "Mr. Basketball" as a senior at Deering High School
. He averaged 35.6 PPG as a senior and 26.8 PPG as a junior, both good for first in the state. Caner-Medley went on to play four seasons at the University of Maryland
.
in 2002. Among his achievements were NHSCA Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year, Maine's Mr. Basketball and the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year. A remarkable scorer as a senior, he tallied a school-record 51 points against South Portland
, scored 47 points in consecutive games, had one game with 46 and another with 44 during his final high school campaign.
He led the Rams to back-to-back Western Maine titles and led the state in scoring in back-to-back seasons with a 36.5-point average in 2002 and a 26.8-point clip in 2001. He still holds the title of Deering's career scoring leader with 1,641 points and also led the Southern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) as a senior with 15.7 rebounds, along with 4.2 steals per game and 4.6 assists.
in 1999-00, totaling 18 starts in 31 games. As a small forward, he averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg in his first collegiate season and averaged 6.0 ppg and 2.0 rpg in the Terps' three NCAA Tournament games despite missing most of the Michigan State match on March 28, 2003 after injuring his ankle
. Among his post-season contributions was the 12 points and two rebounds in the NCAA Tournament opening win over UNC Wilmington.
As a sophomore, he was a Terp starter in all 32 contests, finishing third on the team in scoring with 12.2 points per game and was the Terps' high-scorer in eight games. His standout performance sparked the Terps in a win at No. 1 Florida
on December 10, 2003 where he registered 22 points with six points in overtime and set or tied then-career bests in field goals attempted (16), 3-point field goals (3), 3-point field goals attempted (7), rebounds (13, previous career-high was eight) and minutes played (43). He later earned the Maryland Basketball "Clutch Performance of the Year" Award for his effort against Florida
.
During his junior year, Nik led the Terrapins in scoring (16.0 ppg), minutes (1,008), starts (31) and 3-point field goals made (43). He posted a double-figure scoring total in 27 of 32 games, recorded 10 games of 20 points or more and was Maryland's top scorer in 13 games. On January 15, 2005, he contributed a career-high 35 points to Maryland's win over Temple, in which he made 14-for-21 FG to eclipse his previous career-high by 12 points. He averaged a team-high 16.9 ppg in ACC contests, finished third on the team in rebounding (6.2 rpg) and second in steals (43), and notched four double-doubles on the season. He earned BB&T Classic all-tournament honors in December and was named ESPN.com National Player of the Week for his performance against Duke on January 31, 2005.
Following the season, Nik was named to the All ACC 3rd team. Before his senior year Nik scored in double-figures in each of the Terps' games during their tour of Italy. Nik again led the Terps in scoring at 15.3 ppg (16.3 during ACC competition), and tallied 6 rbs, and 2 apg. He shot 83% FT and 36% from the 3 point line. At the conclusion of the season, he was named team MVP and 3rd team All ACC. Nik finished his senior year #11 all-time in games played for Maryland, #8 in minutes, #13 in points scored (he was in the top ten of players with games of 30+ points), #18 in rebounds, #6 in assists by a forward or center (#27 overall), #11 steals, #13 blocks, #10 in 3s and #13 steals. Nik was one of only five Maryland players (Walt Williams, Johnny Rhodes, Laron Profit and Terence Morris) to score over 1500 points, grab 500+ rebounds, record more than 200 assists, 100 steals, 100 3s and 50 blocks during his career at Maryland.
after the 2006 NBA draft
. He played with them in the 2006 Las Vegas Summer League until a stress fracture
in his foot forced him to the sidelines for five months. After extensive rehabilitation Nik fully recovered and signed with the Artland Dragons
of the BBL1
in Germany
in February 2007.
The Artland Dragons reached the league championship for the first time in club history during his stint with the team. Back in America he played for the Sacramento Kings
in the 2007 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas
. He did not make an NBA roster, but on November 1, 2007 was selected sixth in the NBA Developmental League draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce
. In December 2007, despite averaging 22 points and 11.5 boards a game, Nik left the NBADL to pursue an opportunity overseas with Kalise Gran Canaria
of the ACB, the top Spanish league.
In 2008 Caner-Medley again tried his luck in the NBA Summer League, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers
. Unable to make the roster, he played the 2008-2009 season for the ACB's Cajasol Sevilla. He finished the year third in the league rebounding, posting an average of eight a game.
In the summer of 2009 Caner-Medley earned a spot on the Los Angeles Clippers
' Summer League team in Las Vegas. He had two double-doubles in five games. He then signed for Estudiantes Madrid
.
In July 2011 he signed with Power Electronics Valencia for one season with an option for a second year.
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
's ACB
Asociación de Clubs de Baloncesto
The Liga ACB, known as the Liga Endesa for sponsorship reasons, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in Spain. It was founded in 1956 with the name of Liga Nacional. The league changed its name to the current one in 1983. The league is rated as one of the three "A" level European...
. He was named Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, and "Mr. Basketball" as a senior at Deering High School
Deering High School
Deering High School is a public high school in Portland, Maine which educates grades 9–12. The school is part of the Portland Public Schools district. It is named after the Deering Center neighborhood it serves...
. He averaged 35.6 PPG as a senior and 26.8 PPG as a junior, both good for first in the state. Caner-Medley went on to play four seasons at the University of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
.
High school career
Nik graduated from Deering High School in Portland, MainePortland, Maine
Portland is the largest city in Maine and is the county seat of Cumberland County. The 2010 city population was 66,194, growing 3 percent since the census of 2000...
in 2002. Among his achievements were NHSCA Boys Basketball Athlete of the Year, Maine's Mr. Basketball and the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year. A remarkable scorer as a senior, he tallied a school-record 51 points against South Portland
South Portland High School
South Portland High School is a secondary school located in South Portland, Maine. It started in what is now Mahoney Middle school and was moved to its current campus. The School is waiting on plans for a new school, since budget was voted down in 2007. The citizens approved a renovation in a 2010...
, scored 47 points in consecutive games, had one game with 46 and another with 44 during his final high school campaign.
He led the Rams to back-to-back Western Maine titles and led the state in scoring in back-to-back seasons with a 36.5-point average in 2002 and a 26.8-point clip in 2001. He still holds the title of Deering's career scoring leader with 1,641 points and also led the Southern Maine Athletic Association (SMAA) as a senior with 15.7 rebounds, along with 4.2 steals per game and 4.6 assists.
Collegiate career
Nik became the first true freshman to start regularly at Maryland since Steve BlakeSteve Blake
Steven Hanson "Steve" Blake is an American professional basketball point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Previously, he played for the Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers.-High school:Blake spent his freshman and sophomore year...
in 1999-00, totaling 18 starts in 31 games. As a small forward, he averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.5 rpg in his first collegiate season and averaged 6.0 ppg and 2.0 rpg in the Terps' three NCAA Tournament games despite missing most of the Michigan State match on March 28, 2003 after injuring his ankle
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
. Among his post-season contributions was the 12 points and two rebounds in the NCAA Tournament opening win over UNC Wilmington.
As a sophomore, he was a Terp starter in all 32 contests, finishing third on the team in scoring with 12.2 points per game and was the Terps' high-scorer in eight games. His standout performance sparked the Terps in a win at No. 1 Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
on December 10, 2003 where he registered 22 points with six points in overtime and set or tied then-career bests in field goals attempted (16), 3-point field goals (3), 3-point field goals attempted (7), rebounds (13, previous career-high was eight) and minutes played (43). He later earned the Maryland Basketball "Clutch Performance of the Year" Award for his effort against Florida
Florida Gators men's basketball
The Florida Gators men's basketball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of basketball. The Gators compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Southeastern Conference...
.
During his junior year, Nik led the Terrapins in scoring (16.0 ppg), minutes (1,008), starts (31) and 3-point field goals made (43). He posted a double-figure scoring total in 27 of 32 games, recorded 10 games of 20 points or more and was Maryland's top scorer in 13 games. On January 15, 2005, he contributed a career-high 35 points to Maryland's win over Temple, in which he made 14-for-21 FG to eclipse his previous career-high by 12 points. He averaged a team-high 16.9 ppg in ACC contests, finished third on the team in rebounding (6.2 rpg) and second in steals (43), and notched four double-doubles on the season. He earned BB&T Classic all-tournament honors in December and was named ESPN.com National Player of the Week for his performance against Duke on January 31, 2005.
Following the season, Nik was named to the All ACC 3rd team. Before his senior year Nik scored in double-figures in each of the Terps' games during their tour of Italy. Nik again led the Terps in scoring at 15.3 ppg (16.3 during ACC competition), and tallied 6 rbs, and 2 apg. He shot 83% FT and 36% from the 3 point line. At the conclusion of the season, he was named team MVP and 3rd team All ACC. Nik finished his senior year #11 all-time in games played for Maryland, #8 in minutes, #13 in points scored (he was in the top ten of players with games of 30+ points), #18 in rebounds, #6 in assists by a forward or center (#27 overall), #11 steals, #13 blocks, #10 in 3s and #13 steals. Nik was one of only five Maryland players (Walt Williams, Johnny Rhodes, Laron Profit and Terence Morris) to score over 1500 points, grab 500+ rebounds, record more than 200 assists, 100 steals, 100 3s and 50 blocks during his career at Maryland.
Professional career
Nik was signed as a free-agent by the Detroit PistonsDetroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
after the 2006 NBA draft
2006 NBA Draft
The 2006 NBA Draft was held on June 28, 2006 at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players,...
. He played with them in the 2006 Las Vegas Summer League until a stress fracture
Stress fracture
A stress fracture is one type of incomplete fracture in bones. It is caused by "unusual or repeated stress" and also heavy continuous weight on the ankle or leg...
in his foot forced him to the sidelines for five months. After extensive rehabilitation Nik fully recovered and signed with the Artland Dragons
Artland Dragons
Artland Dragons is a basketball club based in Quakenbrück, Germany that plays in the Basketball Bundesliga. Their home arena is Artland Arena, which has room for 3000 spectators.-History:...
of the BBL1
Basketball Bundesliga
The Basketball Bundesliga — commonly abbreviated BBL — is the highest level league of club basketball in Germany. The league comprises 18 teams. A BBL season is split into a league stage and a playoff stage...
in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
in February 2007.
The Artland Dragons reached the league championship for the first time in club history during his stint with the team. Back in America he played for the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
in the 2007 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
. He did not make an NBA roster, but on November 1, 2007 was selected sixth in the NBA Developmental League draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce
Sioux Falls Skyforce
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a professional basketball team that plays in the NBA Development League. They are based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The team plays at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Skyforce began in the CBA in 1989...
. In December 2007, despite averaging 22 points and 11.5 boards a game, Nik left the NBADL to pursue an opportunity overseas with Kalise Gran Canaria
CB Gran Canaria
Club Baloncesto Gran Canaria - Claret, S.A.D. is a professional basketball team that plays in the Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto. The team is based in the autonomous community's capital and largest city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. It plays at Centro Insular.-History:CB Gran...
of the ACB, the top Spanish league.
In 2008 Caner-Medley again tried his luck in the NBA Summer League, this time with the Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Unable to make the roster, he played the 2008-2009 season for the ACB's Cajasol Sevilla. He finished the year third in the league rebounding, posting an average of eight a game.
In the summer of 2009 Caner-Medley earned a spot on the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
' Summer League team in Las Vegas. He had two double-doubles in five games. He then signed for Estudiantes Madrid
CB Estudiantes
Club Baloncesto Estudiantes, S.A.D., known as Asefa Estudiantes for sponsorship reasons, is a basketball team based in the city of Madrid, Community of Madrid. It is member of the Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto . Founded in 1948, it is one of the most recognized basketball teams in Spain...
.
In July 2011 he signed with Power Electronics Valencia for one season with an option for a second year.
External links
- The Official Nik Caner-Medley Bio Page at University of Maryland
- The Official Nik Caner-Medley Draft NY06 Prospect Profile
- The Official Nik Caner-Medley Bio Page at Kalise Gran Canaria (Spanish)
- The Official Nik Caner-Medley Bio Page at ACB (Under Construction)(Spanish)
- The MVP best player of the 20th time 2008 (Spanish)