The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN what he describes as his best season in the European Professional Volleyball League, Iraklis’ Byron Ferguson Jr is headed to the All-Star game.

And even though he has been selected by the coaches, the 29-year-old, 6-foot, 6-inch middle blocker is still looking for the public support to help him in the final voting process.

Interested persons can log onto www.volleyleague.gr/index.php/compotent/k2/7560/psifiste-tous-athletes-tou-all-star-game-2019 and vote. Once you click the link you will see the option to vote for “Foreign Central Blockers.”

Check the box next to Byron Ferguson daily and vote until Sunday, March 3.

When contacted, Ferguson told The Tribune:

“It’s a good feeling to be a candidate and more importantly that my peers respect and recognise my game as I’ve gotten the most votes at my position from the coaches.

“Now we will see what happens with the public getting a chance to vote. Hopefully I can get enough votes from the Bahamas and eventually from around the world. I need as much votes as I can get.”

Whether or not he secures the most votes, Ferguson said he’s still pleased with what has transpired for him so far this season.

“I’m having another good individual season, but we are not having the most success as a team,” he said of Iraklis, who are currently 4-11 in the Greece A1 League. “We are in seventh place in the league now as we are coming down to our last few games.

“The top eight teams make the playoffs, but we have had some success in the Cup as we recently qualified for the semi-finals in the Greek Cup on Wednesday. The final four will be hosted the end of March.”

In the Greek Cup, Iraklis advanced to the semi-final with a 3-0 sweep over Rhodes Athlisis. Their next opponents will be Foinikas Syroy, the fifth ranked team in the league. The winner will advance to the final to play either Olympiakos or Paok, the No.1 and No.2 teams in the league.

With three more games left in the regular season, Ferguson said he just wants to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of him.

“I’ve been getting better throughout the season, so I just want to continue to play at a high level,” he stated. “Hopefully I can help us get back to another final and see if we can win one this year.”

Ferguson and Iraklis are coming off a 3-1 set loss on Saturday to Panathinaikos, the third ranked team in the league at 9-5. They won’t play again until Sunday against the last place Komotinis, who are just 1-13.

The league’s defending champions Olympiakos are the only undefeated team left at 14-0 on top of the standings.