Chase Fieler Signs Pro Deal In Spain

(Courtesy of Captive Photons)

Former Florida Gulf Coast star Chase Fieler signed his first professional contract on Thursday when he inked a deal with Club Ourense Baloncesto, of the Spanish LEB League.

"The conversation I had with the coach, the confidence and strong interest he had in me [led me to sign there]," Fieler said. "Obviously the league is one of the better leagues in the world with a lot of upside and potential to grow."

The FGCU program leader in field goals made, rebounds, and blocks will be joining a Ourense squad that finished last season with a 8-18 record in the LEB (Oro) Gold division.

"Being my first year playing professionally, I just want to go out there and play as hard as I can to produce enough to help the team win more games than last year," Fieler said. "Then try to get into the playoffs and make a run."

Each year the top two LEB teams, the regular season champions and post-season champions, are promoted to the ACB, Spain's top league.

"I was also interested in the ability to get to the ACB in Spain - which is a league I'd ultimately like to play in," Fieler said.

Although the season begins on Oct. 3, the Parkersburg, WV reports to Ourense on Aug. 22 or 23 to begin his eight month, fully guaranteed contract. In preparation, Fieler has talked with fellow Eagle Sherwood Brown, his agent (David Saltzman of Pro Partner Sports Management), and numerous coaches.

"They said I need to make sure my perimeter game is a strength that I use to maneuver the league and use it to my advantage," Fieler said. "It's kind of something I went away from this season."

"I've been working a lot more on footwork. The FIBA rules are a little bit different than the NBA and NCAA. They take your pivot sliding out a lot more seriously...any movement there is a travel," Fieler continued.

Although there are adjustments to be made when transitioning to the pro level, expectations seem to be high for Fieler.

"He is a very complete player - who can take the ball to the ground and runs well in transition," said Ourense head coach Gonzalo Garcia Vitoria. "We add something that is very spectacular...a player who can engage with the crowd. Also, he has has hunger and ambition, two key values ​​for our project."