After playing for seven seasons in both Europe and Australia, former South Dakota State men’s basketball standout Ben Beran announced his retirement from professional basketball.

 

“I have accepted a job with Nachurs Fertilizer and am excited about the opportunity to learn a new career, work with some great people and have a way to provide for my family,” Beran said. “With that said, today I announce my retirement from the game I love and have sacrificed so much for. I spent years away from my family and friends and put a toll on my body, yet as I look back, I have so much to be thankful for.”

 

The 2004 North Central Conference Freshman of the Year and 16th-leading scorer in SDSU history with 1,285 points, Beran started his professional career with USC Heidelberg in the German ProA league in 2008, and after one year in Germany, headed down under to play with the Lakeside Lightning in the Australian State Basketball League, where he played from 2009-13. In his first season with the Lightning, the Victor, Iowa native averaged 26.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in leading Lakeside to a SBL runner-up finish.

 

In his final season with Lakeside in 2012-13, Beran averaged 25.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, and led the Lightning to an SBL Championship, earning SBL MVP honors and an all-star nod along the way. In his four years down under, he scored more than 2,600 points and grabbed nearly 900 rebounds, with one championship, one runner-up finish and four SBL player of the week awards.

 

Following the 2012-13 season, Beran returned to Germany and the ProA League, signing with the VFL Kirchheim Knights, where he played his final season in 2014-15.

 

In seven seasons as a pro, Beran scored 3,912 points in 192 total games for an average of 20.4 points per game. He also grabbed 1,444 rebounds for an average of 7.5 per contest.

 

Beran thanked his wife Jessica, along with a number of friends, family, teammates and coaches for helping him through his journey over the years, with a special shout out to his college coach.

 

“I especially want to thank Scott Nagy and South Dakota State. If it was not for you coach, I would not be the man I am. You stuck beside me in the worst time of my life; I walked away from the game, only to have you let me back on the team and give me my scholarship back. I am thankful for your love and patience toward me. You spoke to me about Jesus and forever changed my world. Thank you coach!”