SHIPPENSBURG — Shippensburg University men’s basketball alumnus Jake Biss ’21 has signed a contract with the Den Helder Suns, affording him an opportunity to play professionally in The Netherlands. The news was distributed Monday on social media by the Den Helder Suns.
“I’m very fortunate to have gotten this opportunity to continue my basketball career and play at the professional level,” Biss said. “I think Coach Fite and the Ship program have prepared me very well to play at this level. It’s always been a childhood dream of mine to play professionally, and I plan to make the most of the opportunity and extend my basketball career for as long as I possibly can.”
During Biss’ time as a Raider, Shippensburg went 93-31 and qualified for four Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament appearances. He is a three-time All-PSAC Eastern Division First Team selection, including the 2019-20 PSAC East Athlete of the Year, and a 2020 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District honoree at guard.
Biss completed his SU career ranked third in school history in career three-pointers (212), sixth in career assists (391), eighth in career free-throw percentage (.802), and ninth in career points (1,484). As a graduate student in 2021-22, Biss averaged 16.9 points, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 38 percent from three-point range.
The signing marks the beginning of Biss’s professional career.
“My staff and I couldn’t be more happy for Jake,” head coach Chris Fite said. “He has worked extremely hard and has earned all the success he has had. The Den Helder Suns are getting a great point guard, but more importantly, a great young man to represent their program. We are excited Jake gets to have this experience and are looking forward to following his professional career.”
The Den Helder Suns play in the BNXT League, which fields teams from Belgium and The Netherlands. The 21-team league had its inaugural season in 2021-22.
“I still have some time at home before I head over in August, but I’m really excited to get started with the Suns and get to know the team and organization,” Biss said.
Biss is now one of three Raiders playing professional basketball overseas. He joins Dustin Sleva (Paris, France-Elite ProA) and Justin McCarthur (Dubrovnik, Croatia-A2).
