Hooley Signs Professional Basketball Contract In UK

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Former University at Albany standout Peter Hooley has signed a professional contract with the Plymouth Raiders of the British Basketball League (BBL) -- the premier men's professional basketball league in the United Kingdom.

“I am extremely happy for Peter as he gets ready to begin a professional playing career,” said UAlbany head coach Will Brown. “He enjoyed five great years at UAlbany and was a tremendous ambassador of our program, athletic department, and University on and off the court. This is a tremendous opportunity for Peter and I am confident that he will enjoy continued success and be a great asset to Plymouth moving forward.”

Hooley, a native of Adelaide, Australia, was a five-year member of the UAlbany men's basketball team and concluded his career in March with 1,519 points, 336 assists, 410 made free throws and a career free throw percentage of 80.2 percent. Hooley finished his tenure ranked fourth all-time in made free throws at UAlbany, seventh in scoring, eighth in free throw percentage, and ninth all-time in assists.

A two-time America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, Hooley led the Great Danes to three NCAA Tournament appearances and made national headlines when he hit the championship-winning three-pointer in 2015.

Hooley also excelled in the classroom, earning a dual degree in journalism and psychology. A three-time CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection and America East All-Academic pick, Hooley also earned the America East Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, 2015 SUNY Chancellor's Award, and the 2016 President's Athlete Leadership Award at UAlbany.

Hooley is the second Great Dane to ink a professional basketball contract this month, following teammate Ray Sanders who signed with BC Nokia of the Korisliiga League in Finland.