July 7, 2006

Former George Mason standout Tony Skinn has signed a contract to play professional basketball in France this coming fall. The former guard, who helped lead the Patriots to the Final Four, will play for Roanne in France's ProA League. Roanne finished ninth last year in the 18-team league, compiling a 17-17 record.

"They play up and down like we did," said Skinn, comparing Roanne's style of play to Mason's. "And I'll be back at the point guard position, which is good."

Skinn is one of eight guards currently listed on Roanne's roster. He is scheduled to report to his team on August 20 with the first game being played on September 23.

Skinn recently completed a three-year career with the Patriots during which he averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He finished 21st all-time at Mason in career scoring, 6th in career 3-point field goals, 14th in career 3-point field goal percentage, 21st in career assists and 20th in career steals.

Roanne is in the south of France, located less than four hours from the coastal cities of Marseille and Montpellier. It is about an hour west of Lyon. In 1999, it had an official population of close to 40,000.