By Dylan Fearon
Less than four months after helping the Quinnipiac women’s basketball team win its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship, Samantha Guastella has signed a professional contract with BBC Etzella Ettelbruck in Luxembourg. The Red Bank, New Jersey native announced her decision to sign with Etzella on Instagram Monday morning.
“I am excited to share that I have just signed to play professional basketball next year in Luxembourg! I am so grateful for this opportunity to continue my basketball career and keep playing the game I love! I am also so incredibly thankful for my family, friends, and coaches that have always supported and pushed me to become a better player and person. I will be leaving mid August and hope to see everyone before I head out for 9 months!”
Etzella finished the 2014-15 regular season with a 21-3 record and was the top seed in the playoffs, but was upset in the semi-finals by AB Contern.
“It’s a great club and a great city to live in. They are a successful team who have had some great seasons, but fell short of a championship last year.”
Guastella had two offers on the table, but decided to pull the trigger on heading to Luxembourg.
“I had another offer from a team in Nantes, France. It is a bit early and I have heard that it is more typical for teams to offer later in the summer. So I was happy to get an offer so early.”
Guastella had a senior season to remember. She was a 1st Team All-MAAC selection after averaging 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, while the Bobcats went 31-4 overall and 23-0 against conference opponents. Quinnipiac defeated Marist in the MAAC championship game and made its second NCAA Tournament berth in three years.
Standing over six feet, Guastella is the tallest player on Etzella’s roster. Her height and ability to shoot (45 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range her senior season) should help her at the next level.
“I think these experiences are definitely beneficial and will help me next season, but I know I have a lot to work on to be able to excel. I am hopeful being able to play inside and shoot the three will work well in Etzella’s system.”
