By Anthony Gulizia, News Staff

The start of the 2011 men’s basketball season is more than two months away, but two players have already started to get game-time action.

Sophomore forward Chris Avenant and junior forward Dinko Marshavelski have spent their summer training with their national teams for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Championships, which serves as a qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

Avenant is playing for South Africa and will compete in the FIBA African Nations championship. “It’s a dream for every athlete to one day represent their homeland,” head coach Bill Coen said. “For them to get an opportunity to do so is a great source of pride for our program.”

Marshavelski intended to compete for Bulgaria in the FIBA European Basketball championship, but he is sidelined after suffering an injury to his right knee during practice. Coen said he will miss some time with the Huskies to start the season.

“He had some corrective surgery done; he’s under the best care,” Coen said. “We’ll just have to monitor his progress. But he’s going to be out of commission for a little bit.”

Marshavelski and Avenant were both unable to be reached for comment because of geographical limitations.

South Africa began pool play last night against the Ivory Coast and lost 105-53, as Avenant turned in 24 minutes of play, four points and five rebounds. The team will face Cameroon tomorrow and Egypt Sunday. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the London Olympics in 2012.

“Chris has an opportunity to represent South Africa and is competing right now for an opportunity to do that,” Coen said.

Regardless of how each team performs, Coen said that the two players are strong assets to their respective nations.

“Both those guys are tremendous teammates – they did that for us and I’m sure during their involvement with their national team they’ll bring the same type of positive attitude,” Coen said. They are growing, developing players, trying to find their way to contribute on the court. But at the same time, they’re invaluable in terms of the messages we send in how we want to conduct ourselves as members of the Northeastern community.”