Former KSU basketball player Nick Masterson signed his first professional contract on July 23, joining Dutch side Aris Leeuwarden.
The Woodstock, Ga. native makes his first foray into the pro basketball world after a successful collegiate career with the Owls. A two-time Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic selection and a second-team All-Conference selection last season, Masterson brings a decorated past with him to Europe.
After leading all Division One college players with a 54.1 percent shooting percentage from the three-point line, Masterson looks to bring the same long-range marksmanship to the Netherlands.
“Nick is clearly one of the best shooters that’s ever attended and played for Kennesaw State and I’m happy for him because I think all of his hard work has been rewarded,” said KSU head basketball coach Al Skinner. “I’m very happy for him because I know he wanted the opportunity to continue to play and I know he’ll make the most of it.”
The team Masterson joins has three other Americans and is prepared to make him an integral part of their season, which begins Oct. 6. The four Americans will be tasked to help improve a team that has spent the last several years in the middle of the pack in their league.
“We now have a real shooter at home,” said head coach Tony van den Bosch. “The combination with the strength and drive of Johnny Williams gives Aris a dangerous backcourt with a lot of threat. The team is starting to take shape.”
Masterson is the first player from River Ridge High School to sign a professional contract and is the third KSU player in recent years to play in Europe, along with Yonel Brown and Kendrick Ray.
Averaging nearly 16 points per game in his senior year, Masterson became a crucial player for the Owls as they found success late last season. His ability to score during pivotal moments will serve him well during his career in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
