Central’s Greenfield to play pro basketball in Spain

Central College

Central College

PELLA — Central College grad Matt Greenfield, the 2014 Iowa Conference men’s basketball MVP, signed a professional contract with the Leon Basketball Club in Spain.

Greenfield, a 6-foot-8 power forward, helped lead the Dutch to the 2013-14 league championship and the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament.

He arrived in Spain last week. Leon plays in the EBA (Espanola de Baloncesto Amateur) and the club played its first exhibition game Wednesday, with the regular season beginning in October and ending in May.

A four-year letterwinner for the Dutch, Greenfield was a first-team NABC all-West District honoree and was an all-region pick by D3hoops.com as well. He averaged 18.9 points and 10.1 rebounds in 29 games, leading Central to an NCAA tournament upset of No. 25-ranked St. Olaf (Minn.). It was a surprising season for the Dutch, who were picked to finish last in the conference in a preseason coaches’ poll.

Greenfield finished with 1,043 career points and 622 rebounds. He posted 15 double-doubles last year, with a career-high 35 points at Buena Vista Jan. 25 and 17 rebounds at Sacred Heart (P.R.) Dec. 29. He played in several international tryout camps in the U.S. over the summer and attracted interest from several teams.

“I knew I wanted to do this after my last season at Central because I knew my best basketball was still ahead of me,” he said. “(Leon) liked my stats from school and saw the way I played. I’m glad they took a chance on me.”

Leon is in northern Spain and Greenfield is hoping for time to do some sightseeing, although playing basketball is his main motivation.

“What a way to see parts of the world I would otherwise never see,” he said.

Central coach Craig Douma said Greenfield’s playing style is reminiscent of many European professionals as an athletic big man who can handle the ball and shoot well from the outside as well as in the paint. He knocked down 39 3-point baskets last year.

“Matt’s mobility helps and he understands the game so well,” Douma said. “He’s a good passer, he’s got great hands and the fact that he can play inside and outside lends itself well to the European game.”

Greenfield thinks he’ll fit in well.

“I believe my game transitions very well to the European game,” Greenfield said. “I know the coaches like the fact I can play both inside and outside.”

Douma is optimistic that Greenfield will have a strong season.

“It’s so hard to know but I think he’ll do well,” he said. “And if he does well, that will open up more doors for the future over year. It’s a great opportunity to see the world and play some basketball as well.”

Greenfield is grateful.

“I’m extremely blessed to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to representing my family, my friends and my school,” he said.

Greenfield is featured on the team’s website, www.fundacionbaloncestoleon.com.

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