Four years after he left to play university basketball, Alba Berlin has brought home forward Niels Giffey on a three-year contract. Giffey (2.01 meters, 23 years old) became a two-time NCAA champion at the University of Connecticut, winning titles in 2011 and 2014. He averaged 8.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in his final season there. Prior to his university career, Giffey had competed at the junior levels for ALBA in his hometown of Berlin and has played for both the Under-20 and Under-19 German national teams. Last summer, he debuted with the senior national team of Germany, averaging 9.2 points and 3.2 rebounds while making 70% of his three-pointers in five 2013 EuroBasket games.
“We are very pleased that we have managed to bring Niels back to Berlin,” ALBA sports director Mithat Demirel said. “He is a highly courted player who fits perfectly in ALBA with his versatility, his commitment and his winning mentality.”
“I’m looking forward to playing again for ALBA Berlin and taking on new challenges after my college years,” Giffey said. “To be able to develop in Germany and in Europe at the highest level is a great opportunity for me.”
