MINNEAPOLIS - Basketball is not the first thing most people think of when Sweden is mentioned.
It is top of mind with U of M women's basketball coach Pam Borton, however, after Amanda Zahui B., a 6-foot-5 center from Stockholm, Sweden, has signed to play for the Gophers.
Zahui B. originally signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Minnesota in May, but was not certified through the NCAA Eligibility Center in time to join the Gophers in the fall.
Now certified, she will be able to play for the Gophers as early as December 26.
"I am very excited that Amanda will be joining the team this winter," Borton said. "She worked extremely hard the last five months in order to become eligible, and it only reinforces how dedicated she is to becoming a Gopher."
Borton says Zahui B. will bring size, strength, versatility, athleticism and experience to the Gophers' roster. She is one of Sweden's top players and an integral member of Sweden's national team for the past six years.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. )