Ceejay Nofuente signs pro contract to play in Denmark

ETOBICOKE, Ont -- Humber legend Ceejay Nofuente is taking her talents to Europe where she will continue her basketball career at the professional level. The three-time CCAA Player of the Year inked her first professional contract Thursday evening at the North Campus Gym in front of her friends, family, and fans.

"I'm very excited to begin my professional career," said Nofuente. "I am so grateful for this opportunity, and for the support of family, friends and the Humber community that has helped me get to this point."

Nofuente signed a one-year contract with SISU Basketball Klub, a Danish basketball club located in Gentofte, Denmark – a suburb of Copenhagen. Founded in 1954, SISU competes in the Dameligaen and is the oldest basketball club in Denmark as well as the most successful, capturing 18 league titles since 1971. Guided by first-year head coach Todd Anthony, SISU will begin its 20-game regular season Oct. 13 against Aabyhøj IF.

"Ceejay has been a pioneer athlete within the OCAA, achieving unprecedented success at the individual and team level," said the director of athletics Ray Chateau. "Her selection to the Canadian Senior Women's Development team and most recently her professional contract with SISU are a continuation in her basketball journey."

For four-plus seasons, Nofuente and the Hawks wreaked havoc on the CCAA, culminating in two national championships and four provincial titles. She retired with an all-time record of 100 wins and three losses, and is Humber's all-time leader in points (1,254), assists (489), steals (391), and blocks (58).

No student-athlete in CCAA history has garnered more accolades than Nofuente, and her top individual performance came in a win in 2017 when she seized the national spotlight with a 55-point outburst, including 13 three-pointers made – both OCAA single-game records.

"This is a great opportunity for Ceejay," said head coach Ajay Sharma. "She showed her versatility on the court during her time with Humber and Team Canada, and she has all the tools to make an immediate impact as she starts her pro career."

In March, Nofuente was named to the Canadian Basketball National Team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, scoring a team-high 15 points in Canada's bronze medal loss to New Zealand.

"I have no doubt that she will achieve sustained professional success and play within the top echelons of women's professional basketball, and I expect to see her represent our country at the 2024 Olympics in Peru," added Ray Chateau. "I also want to acknowledge Coach Sharma, who created an environment that has enabled Ceejay to pursue her career goals."

Nofuente will leave for Denmark on Aug. 27 and will stay with a host family who has three daughters, one of which plays basketball as well.

Click here for 2018-19 Dameligaen stats, standings, and news.