Besim Tafilaj

Career / Comments:
Weight: 225lbs/102kg
Born: November 26, 1980 in Houston, Texas
Personal: Father, Ramiz, is Kosovar Albanian, mother, Diane, is American. Besim has duel-citizenship U.S.A. and Kosova. In June of 2006 married a Macedonian citizen.
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Outlook:
A strong, physical player who is very good on defensive end. Usually ends up guarding taller players because of his strength and versatility. Can shoot the ball well beyond 3 point range, but prefers to take it hard to the basket. A crowd favourite because of his acrobatic dunks. Known to hit big shots in the clutch. A team first player who doesn’t force the shot, even though he can score constantly. A true winner that does whatever it takes to win.
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Career:
1998-2002: University of Texas at Austin (NCAA-Division 1): DNP due to coaching changes and injury
2002: Hoop Zone Summer Pro/Am League: 16.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.1apg; Participated upon invitation in the inaugural season of the Hoop Zone Pro/Am. This league was sanctioned by the NCAA and hosted a number of established athletes including numerous NBA veterans and draft selections.
2002-2003: KB MEB Prishtina (KOS-Superleague): while on team travelled through Eastern Europe and played exhibition games against teams from the Croatian and Slovenian first divisions. In Feb.'03 moved to KB Exclusive Prishtina (KOS-Superleague): also assisted coaching of the junior team.
2003 June-July: Long Beach Summer Pro league Supercamp:
2003 July: Nike ProCity Summer pro league at Fonde (Houston): 9.2ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg: Played small and power forward for team NYC sponsored by Kenny Smith
2003-2004: Universiteti Prishtina (KOS-LPBK): Team Captain: 25 games: 24.7 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.4 spg, 3.6 apg
2004-2005: Dukagjini Peje (KOS-Superleague): 14 games: 14.3ppg, 7rpg, 3.1apg, 1.8spg, 1.6bpg, left in Dec.'04, Jan’05 signed at Mabetex Prishtina (KOS-Superleague) for the remainder of the season: 14 games: 16.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8bpg

2005 June-July: Nike Battle Grounds Summer League in Venice Beach California (Team Long Beach)
2005-2006: Sigal Prishtina (KOS-SuperLeague): 28 games: 17.9ppg, 7.8rpg, 2.6apg

2006-2007: BCMUS Arges Pitesti (ROM-Div.A) Left at beginning of season because of lack of payment and contract problems
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Awards/Achievements:
2002 Hoop Zone Summer Pro/Am League all 2nd team
Kosovo National Cup finals -04
KK Siroki Hercegtisak (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Tournament finals -04
KOHA Ditore (daily newspaper) – All-Superleague first team ‘05
Eurobasket.com All-Kosovo League Entertainment Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-Kosovo League Defensive Team -04, 05
Kosovo League Champion -05, 06
Eurobasket.com All-Kosovar League Defensive Player of the Year -05
Kosovo Supercup Winner -05
Flag Day International Tournament Winner -05
Kosovo National Cup Winner -06

Transylvanian Basketball League MVP – 06

Transylvanian Basketball League Slam Dunk Champion - 06