Joey Puddister is back in North Bay after a memorable first season of professional basketball in Holland.
The former Nipissing Lakers point guard joined Lease Rotterdam of the Dutch Basketball League early in the new year.
“The season was successful in Rotterdam,” said Puddister.
“I was on a very talented team and we finished the season the best the club has done in 15 plus years.
See related: Local basketball player heading to Europe to play pro
Puddister says he played mix duties starting and coming off the bench. However, he says his main impact came with his playmaking and 3-point shooting.
“We managed a solid upset in the first round of the playoffs beating a strong Den Bosch team 2-1 in a best of 3 series after being down 1-0 advancing to the semi finals,” said Puddister.
“In the semi-finals we faced a very talented first place team who had lost only a few games all season. We ended up losing to them in a 7 game series and they would go on to win the championship.”
Puddister was only on a one year deal so he will be looking for another team next season and he is currently weighing his options.
“I am looking to either return to Holland possibly on a different team or move on to a different country most likely Germany this upcoming season,” he said.
“Playing overseas was a great experience overall for me. Holland was a great country to live and play in. It was a high level of basketball with a lot of talented players. The atmosphere of playing in front of packed passionate European crowds screaming and chanting is something I won’t forget.”
While he is preparing for another season of pro basketball, Puddister is keeping busy running a training program with Sam Levac and Kally Watmore called Northern Elite Training (N.E.T.).
“This basketball training program is for high level players age 14 and up looking to improve their game,” said Puddister.
“We are offering professional skill development, strength and agility training as well as a take home guide to help our athletes reach their full potential.”
For more information on the Puddister N.E.T. training program email [email protected]
