Former Hawk standout Nathaniel Pollard, Jr. makes professional debut in Finland


Äänekoski, Finland - After a standout collegiate career at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, former Hawk Nathaniel Pollard, Jr's basketball journey continues over 4,000 miles away from the UMES campus as the 6'5 forward recently made his professional debut for Kipina Aanekoski.


Kipina, which competed in Finland's 1st Division A circuit, officially signed Pollard in late September. Pollard made an immediate impact in his debut last week as he recorded a game-high 20 rebounds along with 10 points, five assists, five steals and three blocks while leading the team to a 90-59 victory over Turun NMKY on Saturday.


"This is an excellent opportunity for me and I am focused on making the most of it," Pollard says. "Playing professionally overseas is a great experience for me. As I continue to pursue my professional goals as a basketball player, I am grateful and blessed for the success I have had to this point. I am going to keep working towards what I want to accomplish while proudly representing UMES Hawk basketball."


Pollard starred at UMES after completing two years at Eastern Arizona Community College. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Pollard was an essential player for the Hawks in his two seasons at UMES. Last year, Pollard was a key part in the Hawks' 18-win season which included the nation in the defensive categories of steals and forced turnovers. In his final season as a Hawk, Pollard led the MEAC in rebounding, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game and ranked 14th in nation in offensive rebounds per game (3.45). He was the team leader in blocked shots and was third in team scoring average with 9.9 points per game.


He was named to the MEAC Second Team last season and earned an invitation to compete in the 2023 HBCU All-Star Game. Pollard made the most of his opportunity on the national stage by scoring 10 points and collecting 13 rebounds which resulted in being named the HBCU All-Star MVP.


Pollard, Jr. earned his degree in sociology from UMES in 2022 and began working on a master's degree in business last year.