The National Basketball League-United States (NBL-US) is proud to announce that Kalil Potts, the standout point guard from the 2024 NBL-US Champion HBCU Movement, has signed his first international professional contract with Club Susanj in Montenegro. Potts, fresh off an undefeated season with the HBCU Movement, is taking his talents overseas to continue his basketball journey on the international stage.
Potts’ signing follows a remarkable season in the NBL-US, where he was named the 2024 NBL-US MVP, averaging 23.5 points per game, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. His leadership and playmaking were pivotal in guiding the HBCU Movement to their historic championship, becoming the first professional basketball team made up of athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to win an NBL-US title.
Kalil Potts’ Journey to International Success
Potts expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the NBL-US and how the league helped him secure his professional contract:
“I want to thank the NBL-US for giving me the platform to showcase my skills this season. The league gave me reliable stats, video highlights, and exposure, which helped me secure this contract with Club Susanj. I’m incredibly grateful to Coach Lenard Taylor for his guidance and to Kevin Williams Sr., President of International Basketball Operations, who recruited me to play for the HBCU Movement. This is a dream come true, and I’m excited for the next chapter of my basketball career.”
Potts’ time with the Movement demonstrated his ability to dominate on the court, while also displaying leadership, resilience, and the values ingrained in him from his time at an HBCU. His performance and dedication attracted international attention, culminating in his signing with Club Susanj, where he will now compete at a higher level and continue to grow as a professional athlete.
Statement from Kevin Williams Sr., NBL-US President
NBL-US President Kevin Williams Sr., who also serves as President of International Basketball Operations, shared his excitement about Kalil Potts’ success and reflected on their shared HBCU roots at Huston-Tillotson University:
“I couldn’t be more proud of Kalil Potts. He reached out to me when he was looking for an opportunity to play, and being fellow alumni of Huston-Tillotson University, it was a no-brainer to bring him into the NBL-US. At HT, we were always taught to look out for our own, and I’m thankful to have had Kalil in the league this season. He’s been an exceptional player, and Montenegro is getting a great young man both on and off the court. We wish him all the best with Club Susanj, and I’m excited to see him continue to grow and succeed internationally.”
Williams’ commitment to promoting players like Potts through the NBL-US platform highlights the league’s mission of providing athletes from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to achieve professional success, both domestically and internationally.
The Path to Global Recognition
Potts’ journey is an inspiring example of how the NBL-US is becoming a launching pad for athletes seeking to elevate their careers beyond the United States. His success is a testament to the league’s ability to offer professional opportunities while promoting athletes from HBCUs and other institutions that may not traditionally get the same visibility as larger programs.
Potts’ signing is another milestone for the NBL-US, and it underscores the league’s commitment to its players’ development both on the court and in their professional careers. The league continues to be a beacon of opportunity, fostering talent and propelling players to greater heights.
Looking Ahead
The NBL-US Winter Season will tip off on December 7th, 2024, with the league continuing to serve as a bridge for players to elevate their skills, gain exposure, and pursue professional basketball opportunities on a global scale.
For more information about the NBL-US and its players, follow the league on social media:
Website: usnbl.com
Instagram: @usnbl
Facebook: @usnbl
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