Photo by: Joe Harper/bgnphoto.com
Former Golden Eagle DeAndre Pinckney Signs Pro Contract in Denmark
8/3/2023 8:56:00 AM | Men's Basketball
AARHUS, Denmark-- Former Southern Miss standout DeAndre Pinckney has signed a professional contract with the Bakken Bears of Basketligean, the top basketball league in Denmark.Â
"It's a relief to sign this contract," said Pinckney. "Coming from where I come from, not many people get this opportunity. I'm the only player from my high school team playing pro and the second from my JUCO to play, so guys from South Florida don't really get this chance to play at the next level. I am excited to play against the best players the world has to offer and seeing what Europe has to offer. I'm also looking forward to learning the lifestyle and culture."
Pinckney, a 6-foot-8 forward, played for the Golden Eagles from 2020-23. The recent graduate helped Southern Miss to a 25-8 record to complete the biggest turnaround in NCAA Division I history. Pinckney averaged 12.9 points per game for the Sun Belt regular season champions and pulled down 6.6 rebounds per game. The Carol City, Fla. product was named a Third Team All-Sun Belt player and Second Team NABC All-District 23.Â
"I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of DeAndre," head men's basketball coach Jay Ladner said. "He's a great example of hanging in there during tough times and persevering -- he's what Southern Miss GRIT is. He's one of the first in his family to earn a college degree and has put countless hours working to develop his God-given talent. He is now embarking on what's going to be an incredible professional career."
The Bears have captured the Danish Championship 21 times and are three-time semifinalists at the FIBA Europe Cup. Bakken also competes in the Basketball Champions Leage, which is FIBA's premier tournament in Europe.Â
"It's a relief to sign this contract," said Pinckney. "Coming from where I come from, not many people get this opportunity. I'm the only player from my high school team playing pro and the second from my JUCO to play, so guys from South Florida don't really get this chance to play at the next level. I am excited to play against the best players the world has to offer and seeing what Europe has to offer. I'm also looking forward to learning the lifestyle and culture."
Pinckney, a 6-foot-8 forward, played for the Golden Eagles from 2020-23. The recent graduate helped Southern Miss to a 25-8 record to complete the biggest turnaround in NCAA Division I history. Pinckney averaged 12.9 points per game for the Sun Belt regular season champions and pulled down 6.6 rebounds per game. The Carol City, Fla. product was named a Third Team All-Sun Belt player and Second Team NABC All-District 23.Â
"I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of DeAndre," head men's basketball coach Jay Ladner said. "He's a great example of hanging in there during tough times and persevering -- he's what Southern Miss GRIT is. He's one of the first in his family to earn a college degree and has put countless hours working to develop his God-given talent. He is now embarking on what's going to be an incredible professional career."
The Bears have captured the Danish Championship 21 times and are three-time semifinalists at the FIBA Europe Cup. Bakken also competes in the Basketball Champions Leage, which is FIBA's premier tournament in Europe.Â
Players Mentioned
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