Armenian Basketball Player Garen Spendjian Signs with El Shams of Egypt

HELIOPOLIS, Egypt—The Armenian National Basketball Team’s Garen Spendjian will soon begin his professional basketball career with the El Shams basketball team of Cairo, Egypt. The 6’5” Spendjian will play both the power forward and small forward positions for El Shams of the Egyptian Super League. Officially known as El Shams Sporting Club, the team is based in Heliopolis, a suburb of Cairo, known as the heart of the Armenian community there.

Spendjian, a New York native, rose to prominence at Glen Cove High School in Glen Cove, New York. He was named Nassau County Conference ABC 5 player of the year and All-Nassau County during his senior season in 2010. As a senior, Spendjian averaged 23.6 points per game to lead Nassau County in scoring, while finishing third overall in scoring for all of Long Island.

Spendjian helped lead Cortland University to the SUNYAC conference championship during the 2012-2013 season. The team finished with a record of 24-5 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Div. III tournament. During his senior season, Spendjian had a career high of 30 points versus Utica College on 12-15 shooting from the field, including 5-6 from the 3 point line. He was the team’s second leading rebounder.

Carl Bardakian, head coach of the Armenian National Basketball Team, stated “Garen’s strong work ethic was evident at our training camp in Yerevan. His dedication and commitment are to be commended.” Hrachya Rostomyan, President of the Basketball Federation of Armenia, expressed his congratulations to Spendjian on behalf of the Basketball Federation of Armenia. Rostomyan stated “We wish Garen good luck and a successful season with El Shams Sporting Club.” Boxing champion Vanes Martirosyan, a friend of Spendjian’s and the national team, stated “I want to congratulate Garen on his contract. I’m really proud of him. Knock them out, Garen.”