FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – While one former Nova Southeastern men's basketball player has found his second home throughout his young professional career, another's has only begun, as both Lukas Landgren and Mikkel Kolstad recently signed new contracts overseas for the 2020-21 season.

Both members of the NSU squad that made the program's first-ever run to the Elite Eight back in 2018-19, Landgren has officially joined Olympia Comiso of Italy's Serie C following a previous stint with Virtus Fondi, while Kolstad has inked a deal with CAB Madeira in Portugal's Liga Portuguesa de Basquetbol (LPB), the top league in the country.

As a result of a second COVID-19 outbreak, Landgren and his teammates have seen their season postponed until January 17. Still, the 6-foot-8 forward has maintained a positive perspective and is very appreciative for the opportunity that remains ahead of him. 

"The experience I've gained in Italy has been great," said Landgren, who appeared in 39 career games as a Shark. "Personally, I think I've grown a lot as a person in not only taking care of myself, but also learning new languages and cultures.
 
"Being able to live off basketball is something that has always been a goal of mine. It's been a rocky road getting to this point, but I'm so thankful for the opportunity given to me. It really means everything to me. I know this won't last forever, so I'm just soaking it in!"

One of the most lethal shooters to ever come through NSU, Kolstad has already proven his scoring ability during the early stages of his career with CAB Madeira. In four contests, the guard has averaged 15.5 points, including 26 in his pro debut, on 44.2 percent shooting while racking up nearly 38 minutes per game.

During his two-year stint with the Sharks, the Norwegian led the Sunshine State Conference each season in three-point percentage, earning his way on to the All-SSC Newcomer Team in 2019. Over the course of 59 career games with NSU, Kolstad averaged 11.1 points per game on 51.2 percent shooting, including 49.7 percent from beyond the arc. His 80 three-point makes in 2018-19 rank fourth-most in program history within a single season, with his 148 career made three-pointers checking in at 10^th all-time.

"Playing professionally has always been a goal of mine, and so far it's been a good experience," said Kolstad. "Being able to see the world and play at this level would never have been possible without my past two years at NSU. I am really thankful for what we accomplished together and all the great people I met. Go Sharks!"

NSU head coach Jim Crutchfield has now had a combined five players continue on to the pro level since taking over the program at the start of 2017.

To stay up-to-date with NSU men's hoops, follow them on Instagram and Twitter @NSU_MBasketball.