DUBLIN, Ireland (September 23, 2024) – The University of North Alabama men's basketball program has had a number of players sign professional contracts this season, including
Damian Forrest,
KJ Johnson and
Tim Smith Jr.
Another former Lion will also be continuing his basketball career. Unlike the others, this player is returning to familiar territory.
This past weekend, former UNA center
Eoin Nelson was announced as the newest member of the UCD Marian Basketball Club in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. Prior to his collegiate basketball career, Nelson played the 2017-18 season for UCD Marian and led the team to the National Club Finals in 2018.
Nelson returns to the club after seven seasons away to pursue a collegiate career. The Irish center played two seasons at Wyoming before joining North Alabama in 2022. In two seasons at UNA, Nelson appeared in 51 games with a pair of starts. He scored 98 points and grabbed 105 rebounds over those two seasons.
"We are excited for Eoin on his accomplishment for continuing his basketball career with UCD Marian BC," said UNA head coach
Tony Pujol. "He is the type of young man that every program needs — high character, hard worker and great teammate. Eoin will be a great addition, and his growth in his two years has prepared him for this opportunity."
UCD Marian Basketball Club is Ireland's oldest basketball club and has served to promote the sport to southside Dublin since 1968. The team is primarily based in Oatlands College Stillorgan, Marian College Lansdowne and in University College Dublin Sports Centre in Belfield.
Nelson and his team starts the season Oct. 5 at home against Flexachem KCYMS.
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