Sept. 10, 2014

DEKALB, Ill. -- Former NIU men’s basketball standout Aksel Bolin has signed a professional contract to play with Xuventude Baloncesto Cambado in Spain. Xuventude Baloncesto Cambado finished 12th last season in the LEB Silver League in Spain

“I’m very excited to have this opportunity to play in Spain,” said Bolin. “Playing professional basketball is a dream come true. I would like to thank Coach Monty and everyone at NIU for all of their help and support during my four years in DeKalb.”

“We are excited for Aksel,” said NIU head coach Mark Montgomery. “I know it was a big goal of his to play professionally back in Europe and I know that he will have great success. We are extremely proud that not only is he getting to pursue his professional basketball dreams, but also that he earned his degree from NIU. He has set a great example for all of the student-athletes in our program.”

A four-year letterwinner at NIU, Bolin averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a senior in 2013-14. Bolin shot 42.2 percent from three-point range in conference action last season, third-best in the Mid-American Conference.

The Asker, Norway, native finished his career with 114 games played at NIU, sixth-most in school history. Bolin finished his career with 671 points and 460 rebounds.