SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Former Seton Hall men’s basketball star Jordan Theodore (Englewood, N.J.) signed a contract to play professionally with Antalya BSB of Turkey. The team plays in the Beko Turkish Basketball League, a league that garners some of the top talent in Europe.
Deron Williams of the Brooklyn Nets played in the Beko Turkish League during the NBA lockout, as did former NBA all-star Allen Iverson in 2010-11. Last year, former Villanova standouts Corey Fisher and Scottie Reynolds were teammates for Antalya BSB.
“I’m incredibly proud of Jordan in realizing his dream of becoming a professional basketball player,” said Seton Hall Head Coach Kevin Willard. “Antalya is getting an unquestioned leader and an excellent young point guard with a strong work ethic. We look forward to watching Jordan as his pro career matures.”
An All-BIG EAST Second Team and All-Met First Team selection, Theodore was one of the most improved players in the BIG EAST Conference last season. A starter in all 34 games for the Pirates, he ranked ninth in the conference with 16.1 points per game, second with 6.6 assists per game and fifth with an 82.4% free-throw shooting percentage. An All-BIG EAST Second Team selection, Theodore was named to the BIG EAST’s Weekly Honor Roll five times and broke Seton Hall’s 49-year old, single-season record for assists. On Feb. 21, he scored a career-high 29 points in Seton Hall’s thrilling upset of ninth-ranked Georgetown. Theodore recorded five double-doubles last season and completes his collegiate career as one of just four Pirates all-time with over 1,300 career points and 500 career assists.
Theodore joins 14 other former Pirates who played last season or are currently playing professionally overseas: John Allen (Poland), Andre Barrett (France), Donald Copeland (Puerto Rico), Marcus Cousin (Venezuela), John Garcia (Dominican Republic), Paul Gause (England), Jeremy Hazell (Venezuela), Duane Jordan (Australia), Rimas Kaukenas (Italy), Brian Laing (Israel), Jamar Nutter (Chile), Augustine Okosun (Qatar), Eniel Polynice (Mexico) and Jeff Robinson (Austria).
The Hall will square off with the University of Missouri – Kansas City at Walsh Gym on Friday, November 9th to open the 2012-13 season. For information on season ticket packages, please call 973-275-HALL.
