FLORENCE, Ala. (June 29, 2026) – A former University of North Alabama men's basketball standout is now making waves in the professional ranks, as Taye Fields signed an NBA summer league contract with the Philadelphia 76ers this month.
 
The Lions have had tremendous success sending players to the professional ranks over the years, including five players in Europe this past season. However, Fields becomes the first UNA player to sign with or be drafted by an NBA franchise since UNA Hall of Famer Otis Boddie, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980.
 
"We couldn't be more excited for Taye and this opportunity with the Philadelphia 76ers Summer League team," said UNA Head Coach Tony Pujol. "From the moment he arrived at North Alabama, Taye embodied everything you want in a student-athlete. He was an exceptional player, a tremendous competitor and an outstanding representative of our program on and off the court. His work ethic, toughness and commitment to continuous improvement allowed him to maximize his abilities and earn opportunities at the highest levels of the game."
 
Fields helped guide UNA to its first-ever regular season conference championship in any sport at the Division I level in 2025, as the UNA men's basketball program finished with a 24-11 record and a trip to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
 
After graduating from the program, Fields signed a professional contract with the Hefte Helfen Bulls in Austria's Basketball Superliga (BSL). In his rookie professional season, the 6'4" guard won the BSL Defensive Player of the Year award and won the Finals MVP award. He was a regular starter for the Bulls, leading them to the Austrian Championship. He averaged 12.7 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game and 3.3 assists per game.
 
 While at UNA, Fields won the 2024-25 Atlantic Sun Conference Newcomer of the Year, earned second team all-conference honors and was named to the ASUN All-Tournament Team. He ranked second in the ASUN and 32nd nationally with 300 rebounds (8.6 RPG) and was the only player in the league to rank top three in both steals and blocks.
 
"Taye's success is significant not only for him personally, but also for our program," Pujol added. "Every time one of our players earns an opportunity to compete professionally, it helps showcase the caliber of student-athletes we develop at North Alabama and opens doors for future Lions pursuing their own professional dreams. We are incredibly proud of Taye and look forward to watching him represent North Alabama on the NBA stage."
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.