Former South Dakota standout Trevor Gruis has signed a professional contract with the Leicester Riders of the British Basketball League for the 2015-16 season.
Gruis had been selected as the 10th draft pick by the Moncton Miracles of the National Basketball League of Canada, but ultimately chose to sign with Leicester for a chance to return to Europe.
“I am very excited to be able to join the Riders and continue my professional career in Europe,” said Gruis. “I can’t wait to get started with the team and build on the success they have already accomplished thus far in the season.”
A native of Ellsworth, Minn., Gruis played for South Dakota from 2010-14. Gruis graduated with 102 consecutive starts in a Coyote uniform, the fourth-longest active streak at the time.
The 6-foot-10 center finished with 1,340 points, 767 rebounds, and 112 blocks for his collegiate career. He is one of eight players in program history with more than 1,300 points and 700 rebounds.
After graduation from South Dakota, Gruis traveled to Sweden to play with the Jämtland Basketball Premier Team for the 2014-15 season. He started at center for Jämtland, averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 34 games.
Gruis returned to the United States at the end of the season and spent this past summer training at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. He participated in the Sanford Pentagon’s Pro Training Camp this August with another Coyote standout, Tyler Larson.
Gruis becomes the fourth American on the Leicester team, with two formerly of the Summit League. A native of Waterloo, Iowa, North Dakota State graduate TrayVonn Wright is in his second season with the Riders.
