Fraser Puts Retirement Plans on Hold

Alan Fraser was ready to call it a career last March after the Cal State Northridge basketball team concluded its season.

However, thanks to a long-distance call Northridge assistant Rusty Smith received from West Germany, Fraser, 21, is setting aside his retirement plans.

Fraser leaves next month for Munich where he will play for Sportbund Munich, a Division 3 professional club that competes against regional opponents throughout West Germany.

“It’s a great opportunity to keep playing and see Europe,” said Fraser, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound forward who averaged 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds a game as a senior at CSUN. “At the end of the season, I was feeling that my game was getting better and better. I have more confidence now than I ever have.”

Fraser’s package with the West German team includes air fare, an apartment, use of a car and a monthly stipend to cover other expenses.

Smith, who played in West Germany for seven years after completing his eligibility at Montana State University, was contacted in May by an old friend who is coaching in West Germany.

“Alan fits the bill of what they were looking for,” Smith said. “They wanted a big kid who can play inside and score.

“He also has the right personality because you have to be flexible.”

Fraser said he eventually will complete the four courses he needs to earn a degree in broadcast communications.

But for now, like his retirement plans, school has been put on hold.

“I’m fired up, ready to go and playing every night,” Fraser said. “I’m trying to get into regular preseason shape.

“I can’t wait to get over there and get started.”