Ex-Spartan Naymick happy to play overseas

by Steve Grinczel

Wednesday July 23, 2008, 3:00 PM

AP File PhotoDrew Naymick is Michigan State's all-time leader in blocked shots.

EAST LANSING -- There came a time during Drew Naymick's Michigan State basketball career when coach Tom Izzo questioned his passion for the game.

After all, during his five years at MSU the brainy Naymick graduated early with a bachelor's degree in business management, earned a master's in finance and had to take doctoral courses to remain in the program. He appeared destined for the business world.

But, maybe Naymick -- never the most demonstrative or outspoken player ever to wear a Spartan uniform -- was simply misunderstood by his former coach.

The 6-foot-10 center said not only has he always been in love with basketball, he now hopes to make a living playing it for a good long time.

Naymick has signed a professional contract with with SKK Kotwica Kolobrzeg of the Polish league.

"I'm going to be walking around with my Polish-English dictionary," said Naymick, who speaks no Polish. "I leave on Aug. 11 and there are three other Americans on the team and think I'll be hanging out with them for awhile.

"It's a fairly well-respected league over there. I heard it's not quite as good as the Germans, but it's up there. It's a fairly physical league, and one that allows multiple Americans on the team so the level of competition is fairly high."

Naymick, whose 134 blocked shots ranks first in school history, recalled how Izzo questioned how badly he wanted to be a player.

"I never felt there was a lack of dedication or interest," Naymick said. "Coach Izzo had his moments with me there, especially the first couple years, but I kept working at it all turned out pretty good."

Naymick hopes to develop his game overseas to a level that will attract interest from NBA scouts.

"Oh yeah," he said. "I'd love to have a long and successful pro career. If I play well over there, maybe I'll get some looks from some (NBA) for some summer league participation next year and then go from there."