EUROCHALLENGE

Adam Morrison has passed his medical and is now ready to play for Besiktas in the BEKO Basketbol Ligi and the EuroChallenge.

The hirsute Morrison, a two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, began this season with Red Star Belgrade during the NBA Lockout but parted on amicable terms back in November.

He will now play in Istanbul.

"I've heard positive things about Besiktas," he said.

"My agent also spoke of Besiktas positively and told me that many stars played here.

"There are many experienced players on the roster.

"We'll be in an intense schedule. I feel ready for it.

"I'm looking forward to wearing the jersey and contributing to the team."

Deron Williams, a leading player in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets, spent the first three months of the season at Besiktas and since his departure at the beginning of December, the team has signed Puerto Rico international Carlos Arroyo and Great Britain big man Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

Morrison, joint-college Player of the Year while at Gonzaga in 2006, left the Zags with a year of eligibility remaining and was the third overall pick in that summer's NBA Draft by the Charlotte Bobcats.

Besiktas won their EuroChallenge Last 16 opener this week at home against BK Pardubice, 78-70, and will play at Antalya this weekend in the Turkish league.

Ergin Ataman's team plays at BC Nizhny Novgorod next Tuesday in Russia.