Former UVM great Erik Nelson returns to Vermont
September 26, 2007 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Vermont Frost Heaves News Release
South Burlington, Vt.-Erik Nelson, the 6'6" post player who etched his name all over the University of Vermont's record book during his career as a Catamount, has signed to play with the ABA Champion Vermont Frost Heaves this season.
Nelson returns to the Green Mountain State after nine years in the Dutch first division, where he played for teams in Almere, Zwolle, Nijmegen and Den Bosch. The 1998 UVM graduate consistently appeared among the league leaders in rebounds and blocks, and in each of the past two seasons, with Eiffel Towers Den Bosch, he won Dutch championships.
Nelson ranks among UVM's all-time leaders in scoring (17th), rebounding (5th), blocked shots (2nd) and field-goal percentage (3rd), shooting 55.0% for his career. He was twice chosen as the Catamounts' MVP, and as a senior served as captain and earned first team All-America East honors.
"Erik is a tremendous competitor who has always done whatever was asked of him to win," said Frost Heaves coach Will Voigt. "He also brings a wealth of experience. He has competed against some very good teams in Europe and can give our younger players perspective on what it takes to have a successful career abroad."
"Our return to Vermont has been long overdue," said Nelson. "We've lived the expat life to its fullest, and now with two kids, we were ready to throw down some roots. Vermont was the obvious choice. And once we found out that playing for the Frost Heaves might be a possibility, we did everything in our power to make it a reality. I'm completely enjoying myself right now, and I can't wait for the season to start. I've heard some great stories about the intensity of the Frost Heaves' fans and look forward to playing for them."
"It'll be truly exciting to watch Erik with the Frost Heaves," added Tom Brennan, who served as UVM coach during Nelson's tenure on the Hill. "He was truly one of the great players in the history of the University of Vermont, and I know all his fans will be excited about seeing him again."
A double major in English and Art at UVM, Nelson has launched a parallel career as a Web videographer. He and two collaborators operate wreckandsalvage.com, a Web site specializing in original video "mash-ups." He and his wife Priscilla, a UVM alumna herself, have settled in Waterbury Center with their two young girls.
Nelson will replace Antoine Hyman for the Frost Heaves Basketball Academy clinic "Own the Paint: The Craft of Frontcourt Play," to be held in Barre on Oct. 6 and South Burlington on Oct. 7. For more information about the sessions and to register, call 802-860-0082.
The Frost Heaves open their season on Nov. 9 at Montreal. Once again, they will split their 18 home games evenly between Barre and Burlington, with their Barre opener scheduled for Thursday night, Nov. 15, and Burlington debut set for Sunday afternoon, Nov. 18. Season tickets may be purchased online at vermontfrostheaves.com or by calling 802-860-0082.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
American Basketball Association Stories from September 26, 2007
- Former UVM great Erik Nelson returns to Vermont - Vermont Frost Heaves
- Westchester Phantoms Announce Second Tryout Camp - Westchester Phantoms
- ABA now accepting market reservations - ABA
- Miami's Bahama Pro Show Names Coaches - Bahama Pro Show
- Boston Blizzard Hold Tryout Camp - Boston Blizzard
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