DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University men’s basketball alum Nimrod Hilliard received a phone call that many basketball players await, and the point guard signed a professional contract with Horsens IC in Horsens, Denmark.

“It was like a weight off my chest, it was such a great feeling,” Hilliard said about receiving the call.  “I thanked the Lord first thing and I called my mom and they all went crazy.”

Hilliard finished up his collegiate career at NCCU and was voted First Team All-MEAC after a stellar season wearing the maroon and gray.  He ranked 10th in the NCAA with an average of 6.3 assists per game, and finished 25th with a free throw percentage of 86.9 percent, which topped the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in both categories. 

The playmaker was able to find his own shot as well, as he finished second in the MEAC with a three-point field goal percentage of 41.8 percent, ninth in field goal percentage at 48.3 percent, and was 18th in scoring with 12.0 points per contest.

“I'm elated that Nimrod has an opportunity to extend his basketball career and take care of his family at the same time,” NCCU head coach LeVelle Moton said about his former player. “It’s an honor to see his dreams come true. Well deserved.”

Likewise, Hilliard had kind words to say about his former coach.  “Coach Moton and N.C. Central has helped me learn and grow as a man on and off the court, and I feel like I’m fully ready to go over there and accomplish good things.”

Horsens IC competes in the 10-team Basketligaen, which is the top league in Denmark.  The club won the league championship in the 2014-15 season with a record of 33-8.