Men’s basketball players Erik Nissen and Christian Ejiga, each of whom left the University of Maine after the spring semester, have committed to new schools.
Nissen has returned to Canada to play at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, while Ejiga has committed to attend Division II Caldwell (New Jersey) University.
Nissen, a native of Quispamsis, New Brunswick, spent two seasons with the Black Bears. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 1.9 points and 1.5 rebounds in 28 career games at UMaine, but was not able to establish himself last winter under first-year head coach Bob Walsh.
“We are excited to have Erik join our program. He is a tough competitor with a physical presence that is going to bolster our roster right away” Acadia head coach Kevin Duffie said in a press release.
“He is a great young man and an accomplished student. He is a great fit to our roster and to the Acadia culture,” he added.
Nissen, who had been recruited by Acadia prior to choosing UMaine, is glad to have the chance to make a fresh start.
“Acadia is a great university with a strong sense of pride in academics and athletics. I can’t wait to be a part of the Acadia community,” Nissen said.
Nissen is of a handful of Canadian citizens to use the Repatriation Rule, one instituted by Canadian Interuniversity Sport in 2013 that allows Canadians to return from the NCAA and not have to sit out a year before being eligible to play.
Ejiga, a 6-8 forward, appeared in 42 games at UMaine. The native of Nigeria, who played his high school ball at Hyde School in Connecticut, averaged 2.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in two seasons for the Bears, logging 9.4 minutes per game in 22 contests last winter.
Ejiga also is eligible to begin competing immediately for the Cougars.
UMaine hoop dinner Thursday
The UMaine women’s basketball team welcomes its fans to share food and fun at the Bears ‘N’ Claws Lobster Dinner on Thursday.
The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of Maine Women’s Basketball, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the home of Black Bears head coach Richard Barron.
Adults have a choice of lobster or hamburger for their main dish, along with coleslaw, potato salad, desserts and drinks. A special kids menu includes a hot dog as the main course to go along with the side dishes.
Tickets are $50 while those 10 and under can eat for free from the kids menu. For tickets or more information, please contact Tracy Guerrette either by email at Tracy.Guerrette@yahoo.com or by phone at 207-951-3848.
NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly listed the location of Acadia University.