Spartak inks big man Sharrod Ford

Spartak St. Petersburg upgraded its frontline by signing big man Sharrod Ford, a former ULEB Cup shot-blocking champ. Ford (206, 27) arrives from Virtus Bologna, which he helped win the EuroChallenge Cup last season. Ford and Spartak agreed to a one-year deal. He averaged 13.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game in the EuroChallenge – and upped those numbers to 15 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3 blocks when it counted most in the final four. Ford returns to the Eurocup competition after playing the 2006-07 season with Alba Berlin, averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and a competition high 2.5 blocks in 12 ULEB Cup games. No player has blocked as many shots in a season since Ford's 30 that year. Ford made a name for himself playing college basketball at Clemson University, where he still ranks among the school’s all-time top 10 in rebounds, blocks and double-doubles. He has since played for Phoenix in the NBA, Fayetteville in the NBDL, two seasons with Berlin and one each in Italy with Montegranaro and Virtus Bologna.