Seng signs with professional team in Germany
- Jimmy Nichols
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Troy basketball’s Theo Seng has started his professional career overseas, signing with the PS Karlsruhe Lions in Germany’s ProA League.
Seng helped lead the Trojans to not only back-to-back Sun Belt Championships but also consecutive trips to March Madness. As he moves to the professional level, Seng says he is not done with his winning ways.
“My main goal is to contribute to winning this year,” Seng said. “After getting a taste of the feeling of winning at Troy, I want to do everything I can to win in this new league.
“I also want to continue to develop my game and shoot the ball at a high clip this season.”
For the 6-foot-10 center, playing professionally has been his dream since he was much smaller.
“It feels amazing to be living out a childhood dream of mine,” Seng said. “I’ve always loved basketball and traveling, so playing in Europe is a great fit and a blessing.”
After finishing his time at Troy, Seng was hopeful of breaking intothe European basketball scene. Seng says there was not much selling the Lions had to do to get him to sign with them.
“I was super excited to hear the Lions were interested in me,” Seng said. “Going into this year, I was hoping to break into the German, Spanish or French basketball scene.
“Once I saw that the Lions had a great coaching staff and fan base, I was almost immediately sold.”
Seng believes his time at Troy helped prepare him the best for this transition to the German league, whether it was playing style or just being away from home.
“My three seasons at Troy couldn’t have prepared me better,” Seng said. “Coach Cross taught me how to win and play defense.
“On the other hand, my teammates and I learned how to play together as a group. Lastly, I learned how to live away from home. This has made my new living transition much easier.”
While for some being over 5,500 miles away from home might make them homesick, the Davis, California, native is looking on the bright side of the distance.
“I don’t think the distance from home is that big of a deal for me,” Seng said. “I obviously miss my family and friends a lot, but in reality, I actually have more time at home in the offseason now than I did in college.”
Seng officially relocated to Germany two weeks ago. While winning is obviously his top priority, the former Trojan is looking forward to exploring the European continent.
“I love the food and the people so far, and I’m trying my best to learn the language,” Seng said. “I really want to go check out Paris, Amsterdam and the Alps in Switzerland at some point this year.
“I also am hoping to learn as much German as I can this season.”
When Seng is out of the gym, touring the neighboring areas might be the agenda, but when he is on the court, he says he is ready to learn all he can.
“I’m hoping to learn as much as I can from the coaches,” Seng said. “We’ve got two European legends on the staff.
“One coach played on the German national team with Dirk, and the other was a great Europa League player in his day. I’m just hoping to learn from them and my older teammates.”
Part of the learning process is adjusting to the different practice style for the professionals when compared to college.
“The practices out here are definitely very different,” Seng said. “A lot less teaching, because all of us are experienced.
“It’s more about showing us the style of play our coach wants and a lot of skill work.”
Seng will be able to keep the number that he wore with the Trojans, No. 33, with the Lions. Seng and the Lions will tip off the season on Sep. 26 at 5:30 p.m. CET against the Nuremberg Falcons BC.
Comments