In May, it was reported that forward Patrik Auda may forego his senior season to seek professional opportunities in Europe. On Monday, Auda’s decision to leave South Orange became official. A leader on and off the court, Auda was a fan favorite and a player’s coach. His presence had potential to be major for a young frontcourt with Brandon Mobley and Stephane Manga being the only returners that logged significant minutes in 2013.
The big man logged 24.4 minutes per game and averaged 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Pirates, who will be trying to fill the missing hole with the seniors, returning Rashed Anthony, and newcomers Angel Delgado, Michael Nzei, and Chier Ajou.
Auda was named to the NABC Honors Court Monday for the second straight year, which honors college basketball players who excel in the classroom. He graduated cum laude in May earning a bachelor’s of science degree in finance. Auda was a three-time Big East Academic All Star and was one of 73 nominated to the 2014 Allstate NABC Good Works Teams. The nominees are those that have contributed to their community through volunteerism.
“You know I will be a Pirate for life!! But its time for me to move on and start a new chapter of my life as a Professional Basketball Player,” Auda tweeted on Monday (@Czechmeeout). Auda has been playing for the Czech national team and has signed with Polish club AZS Polfarmex Kutno of the TBL (Tauron Basketball League), which was first reported by southorangejuice.com.
Fuquan Edwin will also take his talents out of the country after playing summer league for the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was released Monday. The Paterson, NJ native will play in Italy for Pistoia Basket as part of Serie A. The Pirates are left with 13 players on scholarship, which is the NCAA limit.
Walk-on graduate Kevin Lynch was also named to the NABC Honors Court Monday.
John Fanta can be reached john.fanta@student.shu.edu or on Twitter @John_Fanta. For complete coverage of Seton Hall athletics, follow @setoniansports.
