VILSBIBURG, Germany – Fresno Pacific announced the signing of former Sunbird Sam Burt to his first professional basketball contract. Burt will begin his European career in Germany with Baskets Vilisbiburg, under the direction of Head Coach Marc Vilas.
"I'm excited to start on a new basketball journey," Burt said. "This has been a goal of mine my entire life, and to be able to pursue it wholeheartedly is a dream come true."
One of the first signees under current Sunbird head coach
C.J. Haydock, Burt played for the Sunbirds from 2016-2018.
"I'm thrilled for one of the highest character humans I know," Haydock said. "Sam took a chance on us, and he was unbelievably faithful in leading our team with steadfastness, working relentlessly, his selflessness and care for his team. He's one of our most influential people in terms of laying the foundation for our vision for Fresno Pacific Basketball."
Burt made an immediate impact upon his arrival in the 2016-2017 season, sporting averages of 5.4 points per game to go with 3.8rebounds. However, it was in his senior season as a captain where Burt really made his presence felt, averaging 14 points per game to go with 7.6 rebounds, all while shooting an impressive 57% from the field. For his efforts, he was named PacWest Honorable Mention All League.
"My time at FPU was a couple of the most challenging and beneficial years of my life. It pushed me to be goal oriented and not let myself come up short through the ups and downs," Burt said. "FPU also taught me to be able to grow and become the best version of myself. I'm beyond thankful to the coaches, former teammates and professors for their continued support in this journey."
Burt will depart on July 30th for Germany. In addition to playing, he will help coach in the youth program with Baskets Vilisbiburg. The Sunbirds will begin the fourth season of the Haydock era on Nov. 8th against Montana State Billings at Point Loma Nazarene University.
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