Has Opportunity to Play Professionally in Germany

Nate Montgomery

SPOKANE, Wash. - Whitworth post Nate Montgomery has signed a contract to play the upcoming season with USC Heidelberg, a professional team in Germany.

Montgomery (Sammamish, Wash. / Eastlake) finished his career at Whitworth University this past season, leading the Pirates to a fourth consecutive NCAA Division III tournament and an appearance in the final sixteen. He earned several post-season honors, including NABC Second Team All-American, D3hoops.com Fourth Team All-American, D3hoops.com West Region Player of the Year and Northwest Conference Player of the Year.

"It is a blessing to have this opportunity to continue playing at a high level, especially while experiencing a new culture in a part of the world I've never been," said Montgomery. "Coach Torsten Daume of USC Heidelberg, whom I know is respected amongst the Gonzaga basketball community, is also an acquaintance of my former assistant coach Craig Fortier, who speaks highly of him. The German Pro A is a very competitive league, and I look forward to joining Heidelberg, meeting new teammates, and working hard to bring the team success."

Montgomery averaged 16.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this past season, leading the Pirates in both categories. He led the Northwest Conference (and was among NCAA DIII leaders) in field goal percentage (59.8%). He posted 11 double-doubles, including three in the four games that encompassed the Northwest Conference and NCAA Tournaments.

USC Heidelberg competes in the German Pro A League, the second-highest level of professional basketball in the country behind the German Bundesliga. Heidelberg finished 10th out of 16 teams in the Pro A League last season, compiling a record of 13-17. Each season the top two finishers of the Pro A League are promoted to the Bundesliga.

Montgomery will report to Heidelberg for a physical and the beginning of mini camp on August 16th. Games are scheduled to begin in late September. Montgomery is one of four new American players signed by the team this off-season.

"From what I've heard and read, Heidelberg is a great city, rich with history, beautiful scenery, and is major tourist destination," added Montgomery. "Living in Germany will likely be a major cultural transition, and should I ever need some assistance, I may have to call on my former German teammates from Whitworth, Felix Friedt and Andreas Samus."

Whitworth head coach Jim Hayford believes that Montgomery is well-suited to compete on a professional level in Europe.

"Nate will be a great teammate and find a way to perform at a high level," said Hayford. "He gives his best to everything he does and this will be no exception. I am excited for him as he takes the next step in his life journey."

Whitworth finished 26-3 overall, set a school record with 25 wins in a row, finished 16-0 in the NWC and won the conference tournament.