LaVontay Fenderson could care less about his struggle with the Czech language. He just lets his silky-smooth jumper do the talking.

The former UW-Parkside All-American has made an immediate impact in his rookie season as a member of BK Decin of the Czech Rebublic National Basketball League. In 18 games, Fenderson is averaging 20.6 minutes per game along with 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds.

BK Decin (13-6) is in fourth place in the 12-team league.

“We have a lot of young guys, but we’re playing some pretty good basketball,” said Fenderson, who made a surprise return to Kenosha on Tuesday to propose to Markisha Hubanks during a Parkside game. “Things are going real well.”

BK Decin competes in the highest league in the Czech Republic. The rosters are comprised mostly of foreign players with a handful of former NCAA standouts.

Fenderson, last year’s NCAA Division II scoring champion, scored 11 points in his professional debut on Oct. 3 against BC Kolin and poured in a career-high 26 points against CEZ Nymburk on Oct. 14. He then matched his career high in points against BC Kolin on Nov. 11.

“I just got loose a couple nights,” Fenderson said. “(The opponents) tried to focus on our big stars and left me wide open. I was able to score.”

Showing improvement

Fenderson said he has improved tremendously since graduating from Parkside. The former Racine St. Catherine’s standout is one of the team’s most versatile players with the ability to play both guard positions and small forward.

Talent-wise, Fenderson doesn’t appear to be overmatched by any means.

“At first I was little doubtful,” Fenderson said. “The game is so different over there. It was like I had to learn everything over again with how to defend and all the ball screens and rolls, but that’s how they like to play. I had to get used to things and get a feel for the game. I’m right on tune with everything now.”

While most young players dream of competing in the National Basketball Association, the competition and lucrative contracts in Europe continue to attract some of the finest talent in America.

A middle-tier league in Europe

The Czech league is considered one of the middle-tier leagues in Europe, according to Parkside coach Luke Reigel.

“It’s not the highest level, but it’s a quality league I know that,” Reigel said. “If you can make a living playing basketball, it’s not the worst thing in the world when you’re (24-years old).”

The Czech league boasts a 50-game schedule with the regular season ending in March.

Fenderson signed a one-year contract with BK Decin and has already received an offer to return next season.

“They want me to come back,” Fenderson said. “Right now, I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I might go to a different league.”

Fenderson, who finished second on Parkside’s all-time scoring list, emerged on a national level with an incredible 52-point game against Saint Joseph’s (Mo.) last year.