AMERICUS - Former Georgia Southwestern men's basketball standout Jure Gunjina has signed a professional contract to play for C.B. Peñas Huesca of the LEB Oro league in 2016-17.

"I would like to thank Georgia Southwestern State University and (former) coach Mike Leeder for giving me the opportunity to show my skills on the court and be able to earn a pro contract," Gunjina said.

Gunjina, a native of Zagreb, Croatia, averaged 14.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season for the Hurricanes while ranking fifth in the Peach Belt Conference in overall defensive rebounds and 15th in 3-pointers made and assists during conference play. He scored 20 or more points on four occasions, including a career-high 25 at Flagler College on Jan. 12.

"I am very happy for Jure as he begins the first step of his professional career," Leeder said. "We certainly wish him well with his new team. I am glad he has this opportunity."

Gunjina joins Alan Arnett (2012-14) and former All-American Phillip Brown (2010-12) as recent Hurricanes who have signed professional basketball contracts.

Gunjina is already with the club as training started earlier this week. The LEB Oro league regular season begins in early October.

Huesca is a city in northeastern Spain. It is also the capital of the Spanish province of the same name. Huesca is one of the smallest provincial capitals in Spain, having a population of approximately 52,000.

"I wish all the luck to the GSW men's basketball team in the future," Gunjina said. "Go Hurricanes!"

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