HAMMOND, La. – Former Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball standout Marlain Veal recently signed a pro contract with Final Spor Genclick Bursa out of Bursa, Turkey.
 
The New Orleans, Louisiana native, wrapped up his SLU career in 2019 as the all-time program leader in games played (132), assists (585) and steals (214). The Helen Cox grad also finished as the program's second all-time leading scorer (1,631).
 
"I'm happy I'm getting an opportunity to play at the next level and show people what I'm capable of," said Veal. "I think the league opens up some possibilities for even bigger things, I'm ready for it.
 
The three-time All-Southland recipient was named Southland Defensive Player of the Year in 2017-18. The 5-foot-9-inch point guard helped lead the Lions to the second most wins in program history (22) and the team's first regular season conference championship since the 2003-04 season.
 
"I think I was able to make the most of my opportunities at Southeastern," said Veal. "I want to thank the entire coaching staff and my teammates for helping me have a great career."
 
Veal (15.9 ppg, 4.4 apg) helped lead the Lions in 2018-19 to a 17-16 record and a berth in the Southland Conference Tournament semi-finals. Veal was signed out of high school by former SLU recruiting coordinator and newly promoted head coach David Kiefer.
 
"He goes down as arguably the most entertaining basketball player to ever play at Southeastern," said Kiefer.  "He helped put me in the position I am today because of the success he helped bring our program. I believe he will be an instant crowd favorite in Turkey and help his team win a lot of games."
 
Veal will report to Turkey in the second week in August, under Spor Bursa head coach Ali Uruk, in preparation for the 2019-20 season. The team's schedule has not yet been released.
 
HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners.  All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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