ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Former All-MEAC Bulldog power forward Matthew Hezekiah signed a professional contract to play for the Hyogo Storks (NBL) in Japan.

"We are really happy for Matt and we wish him continued success in his professional career. He is an example of a young man that came into our basketball program without much fanfare. But worked extremely hard with our coaching staff and developed into a pro,” said South Carolina State head coach Murray Garvin. “Matt went from S.C. State to working out for the L.A. Lakers, to now signing his second pro contract.”

Hezekiah previously played at BK Pardubice in the National Basketball League in the Czech Republic, he helped lead his team to the Czech Republic Cup Semifinals.

Prior to joining the NBL, Hezekiah spent a pre-season at the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the D-League and was drafted by Sioux Falls in the fourth round with the 69th overall pick.

The former South Carolina State standout is entering his second season of professional basketball overseas. During his collegiate career, he was a two-time All-MEAC Second Team performer and led the Bulldogs in scoring with 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in 2012-13 and 2013-14.