Roberts set to live her dream playing professionally in Netherlands

Kiwi basketball player Gracie Roberts is living her dream after signing to play for Lekdetec.nl Batouwe in the Dutch League for the upcoming European season.

The 22-year old recently graduated from the University of Charleston in West Virginia and had her heart set on playing in Europe, even though she doesn’t have a European passport, and is therefore classed as an import.

Speaking from her base in Bemmel in eastern Holland, Gracie admitted she only had one goal after finishing college in the States.

“I didn’t have a Plan B, I put all my efforts into securing a playing opportunity in Europe.

“I began the process by reaching out to as many people as I could that might want an import like me.”

With the help of her dad, former Tall Black Gareth Hare, the pair sent emails to a host of different clubs across Europe, by-passing the option of employing an agent.

“I had interest from a team in Germany but Batouwe got back to me and made me a firm offer.

“It’s what I want to do, to try and make a living out of playing basketball and travelling.

“I will have to work part-time to supplement my basketball income, but it is still a great opportunity and something I’m happy to do – basketball is my passion.”

The Kiwi point guard has spent the last four years in the American collegiate system. Initially, she headed to North Idaho Junior College in 2015 and then spent two years at the University of Detroit Mercy (NCAA Division I) and her final year at the University of Charleston (NCAA Division II).

“The Netherlands seems a great place to start my European adventure. I think the playing style of Lekdetec.nl will suit me.

“I want to make the team better and at the same time, I hope to learn from the experienced players. I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Lekdetec head coach Daan de Heus believes Gracie will be an additional leader and a player who will strengthen the team.

“She has an excellent overview of the game; hands out assists and holds her own on defence.

“Her zest for work and her enthusiasm gives the team a boost and completes our selection for the season.

“This is the first year in Europe for Gracie and we are happy to help her take the next step in her career.”

Last season Gracie led the University of Charleston Golden Eagles in assists, dishing out five dimes per game in addition to averaging 7.4 points. The Golden Eagles had a historic 2018-19 season, finishing second in the Mountain East Conference with a 25-7 record.

Gracie played her high school basketball at Waimea College in Nelson and made the Nelson Sparks WBC team as a 16-year-old. She played New Zealand age-group basketball at the U17 and U19 level before touring China and Fiji for the FIBA Oceania Championship with the Junior Tall Ferns in 2014.

The Junior Tall Ferns Head Coach at the time was Brent Matehaere and he has fond memories of coaching Gracie. She played alongside the likes of Krystal Leger-Walker, Kaetlin Noyer and Dru Toleafoa who have all forged successful college careers in the States.

“It’s great news that she has signed a contract in Holland.

“I remember she was the go-to player at Waimea College and was named to the Tournament Team at Secondary Schools Nationals in 2014.

“Gracie just continued to work hard. With her father’s help, she continually tried and worked her butt off to contribute to the team in any way she could.

“To have a hand in any player’s pathway is a privilege and Gracie is a great person, so I am really happy for her to have made that transition to the professional ranks.”

Gracie is by no means the first Kiwi woman to play professional basketball in Europe, but few have played for a prolonged period in that part of the world.

In recent years Micaela Cocks (Poland and France), Jacinta Beckley (Hungary), Natalie Taylor (Ireland) and Erin Rooney (France and Switzerland) have all had short stints in Europe.

Jillian Harmon is an exception and has spent almost her entire professional career in Italy and is about to embark on her tenth season playing in Serie A.

Gracie will be one of two non-Dutch players on her team, the other player being from Turkey, and will begin training with her new teammates in mid-August.

Gracie’s professional debut is set for September 28 when Lekdetec.nl Batouwe takes on Keijser Capital.

No agent, No EU passport, No worries!