Aug. 24, 2009
By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - During his senior season, Kenrick Zondervan stated that his post-UCF goal was to play professionally in Europe. The big man's goal is now a reality. Zondervan has signed a contract with ESTIA Egaleo in Greece.
Zondervan, who averaged 7.1 points and 4.4 boards for the Knights in 2008-09, is currently home in Hoofddorp, Holland. He will report to his new team later this week and says that he is looking forward to starting his professional career.
"I do not know what to expect when I get there," Zondervan said. "The only thing right now is that I am really excited to go and play for them. It will be a whole different and new challenge for me."
ESTIA Egaleo will play in Greece's second division in 2009-10. This past season, the squad had a pair of Americans - DeVon Hardin, who played collegiately at Cal, and former UAB standout Donnell Taylor. Zondervan is hoping that he can help his squad return to the top division in Greece.
"They play at a high level. It will be exciting to play at that level. It will be different from college and I probably need to get used to that. But it is exciting to be playing in a completely new environment," he said.
Last year Zondervan started all 31 games for head coach Kirk Speraw and the Knights. He shot 57.2 percent overall. Against Conference USA opponents, he averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 boards.
Following the conclusion of his senior season, Zondervan signed with Court Side global management agency. One of his goals was to play near his family in Holland.
"Playing in Greece will make it easier for me to see or talk to my friends and family, because I will not be as far from the Netherlands as I was when I was at UCF. Next to being excited to play for ESITA Egaleo, it will be a great life in Athens. It is another place that I have always wanted to visit and having the opportunity to live there is great," Zondervan said.
Season tickets for the 2009-10 campaign are currently on sale. New season ticket orders are currently being accepted by the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com. The Knights will open the slate on Nov. 13, hosting UMass at the UCF Arena.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.