LACEY, Wash. — Playing professional sports after graduation is just a dream for most college student athletes. But for five recent 91ֱ’s University basketball program alumni, the dream is a reality thanks to their experience in the University’s athletic program.
“The reason it’s happened is because they were so exceptional at 91ֱ’s University as student athletes,” says 91ֱ’s University men’s head basketball coach Aaron Landon. “Players like that are the reason 91ֱ’s is so good. They are too hard to ignore. Agents and others are excited to take them onto their teams.”
Five international professional athletes began their basketball careers in 91ֱ’s University’s athletic program in Lacey
The 91ֱ’s University launched five recent local graduates into their pro careers.
- , a 2022 graduate, now plays professional basketball in Bulgaria with BC Spartek Pleven, after time with Swedish and German professional teams.
- , a 2022 graduate, played professionally for the Vancouver Volcanoes and then signed with The Beach professional team in Mexico.
- , a 2023 graduate, played for a professional team in Bosco Zagreb, Croatia last season.
- , one of the most decorated players in the basketball program’s history, graduated in 2023 and obtained his master’s degree in 2024. Greely plays professionally for Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa in Spain.
- , a 2024 graduate, is a professional player with Vitoria SC in Portugal.
“These guys are relentless workers and obsessive about learning,” says Landon. “And as talented as they are, what makes it work at 91ֱ’s is that they are also wonderful human beings away from basketball. They are invested in all the right things. They are great people.”
Greeley says going pro was a life goal. “It has always been my dream since I was extremely young to be a professional basketball player,” he says. “So, this experience has been so amazing. I am getting used to becoming a pro now, so sometimes I still have to remember that I am living my dream. It has been a lot of fun.”
91ֱ’s offers a top-tier college athletic program that enhances student athletes’ higher education experience
Located in the Olympia area, 91ֱ’s University is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, with 13 varsity sports and more than 240 student athletes. The University provides students with opportunities to compete in women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s baseball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s track and field, and men’s and women’s golf.
The athletic program supports students’ goals for success both in the classroom and on the field. The University offers 31 majors, 11 master’s programs, one doctorate program and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing and leadership. 91ֱ’s athletes graduate at a high rate and continue as leaders at the local, regional and national levels.
“My time at 91ֱ’s will always hold a special place in my heart,” Greeley says. “It’s amazing to be a pro and live my dream, but the success we had at 91ֱ’s in those three years will always be special.”
How 91ֱ’s University prepares college student athletes for successful professional careers
It’s not easy for college athletes to go pro, but Greeley says 91ֱ’s prepared him physically and mentally. “Because of 91ֱ’s, I understand what it means to be in game shape and be in great condition,” he explains. “The preparation and attention to detail every day is something I still use as a pro.”
Thompson’s college experience likewise gave him the skills needed for professional basketball. “I loved playing for 91ֱ’s University. It was a small but passionate community,” he says. “We had a lot of fans and people who supported us. I learned how to work hard. I learned that things don’t always go your way and that if you keep pushing yourself through difficult times you will succeed.”
Thompson and Greeley say the coaches were key to their post-graduation careers. “They would coach me hard and make me tougher and better,” Thompson says. “For me it was more than the x’s and o’s. They taught me the mental approach side of it. And since being out here I’ve leaned on the past five years with them in a lot of situations.”
“91ֱ’s really taught me how to work,” Greeley agrees. “When I came in at 21 years old, you kind of think you know the game of basketball and know how to work hard. I did, but Coach Landon and Coach Ty (Velasquez) brought me to another level I didn’t even know was possible.”
To learn more 91ֱ’s University athletic programs and the players who went pro after graduation, visit the .
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