Former Clipper Shines in Germany
01/07/2009
Former Clipper Shines in Germany
Bronxville, NY - Former Concordia College men's basketball player Nate Jean-Baptiste (Far Rockaway, NY) has always been a player with heart, a competitive spirit and big dreams. That same heart and competitive spirit that was on display every night Jean-Baptiste stepped onto the court for the Clippers parlayed into one of his big dreams. After graduating from Concordia College (NY), Jean-Baptiste received the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas in Germany, an opportunity he thought he may never accomplish.
Schwabisch Hall guard Nate Jean-Batiste
Jean-Baptiste is playing for the TSG Schwabisch Hall 1 Flyers in Schwabisch Hall, Germany. The Flyers play in the Landesliga (Landis League) which is in the 3rd Division. Jean-Baptiste is posting impressive numbers for the Flyers. The point guard currently averages 18.4 points per game, 9.6 assists per game, 3.6 rebounds per game and 3.1 steals per game. Jean-Baptiste averages 33 minutes per game and the team is undefeated thus far at 14-0.
Jean-Baptiste resides in Schwabisch Hall, which is a small town of about 36,000 people in southern Germany. Schwabisch Hall is approximately 34 miles from Stuttgart, the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz automobiles. One of the biggest adjustments Jean-Baptiste had to make is transitioning to a completely differently style of living. "The warmth and openness that I have received since coming to Germany is unbelievable. This is the greatest experience I have had in my life and I am truly blessed to have this opportunity" states Jean-Baptiste. "Living in a completely different culture allows me to realize what is and is not important in life" adds Jean-Baptiste.
Beautiful scenic Schwabisch Hall
Initially, Jean-Baptiste did not fall in love with Concordia College, but feels that after sticking with the Clippers for three seasons, it has helped him grow into the person that he is today. Jean-Baptiste says "The diversity of the student body at Concordia has been a great asset to me here in Germany. It has helped me learn to cope with and deal with different personalities and cultures that I have not experienced before."
Jean-Baptiste driving to the basket
As a member of the men's basketball team, Jean-Baptiste achieved nominal success, statistically, on the court. During his senior season, Jean-Baptiste averaged 5.3 points per game, 2.1 assists per game and 2.1 rebounds per game for the Clippers. The team finished the 2006-2007 season with an 8-18 overall record and 7-13 in the East Coast Conference. Assistant Athletics Director Craig Boston remembers Jean-Baptiste as one of the hardest-working, most determined student-athletes that he has ever encountered. "Nate would spend countless extra hours in the gym before and after practice and in the weight room every day because he had aspirations to play basketball at a higher level beyond his collegiate career. It just goes to show you what you can accomplish with dedication and a tremendous amount of hard work" adds Boston. Director of Athletics Ivan Marquez states "We are extremely proud of Nate for all he has done for Concordia College and his accomplishments in Germany. We wish him the best in his future endeavors."
