Barcelona brings in Boni Ndong

Regal FC Barcelona shored up its frontline with the signing of center Boniface Ndong, who arrives from Spanish League rival Unicaja. Ndong (213, 31) agreed to a three-year deal, even when Barcelona has an option to terminate the contract at the end of the 2010-11 season. He has spent the past two-and-a-half seasons with Unicaja, becoming a major force in the paint. Last year he was among the Euroleague league-leaders in blocked shots and finished the season with 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in fewer than 20 minutes per game as a reserve. Ndong averaged 9.7 points, 4.9 boards and 1 block per game for Unicaja in the Spanish League.

A native of Senegal, Ndong began his professional career in Germany with Rattlesdorf and later played for TSV Breitengrussbach and TSK Universa Bamberg. Ndong has also played for JDA Dijon in France, Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA and Spartak St. Petersburg in Russia. He has represented the Senegal national team, leading it to the silver medal at the 2005 African championships. Ndong was named MVP of that tournament.