By Jen Malti
Staff Writer
Kaleb Bishop — Fairleigh Dickinson graduate and former captain of the men’s basketball team — announced via Instagram on Aug. 17 that he signed a professional contract with BC Beroe of the Bulgarian Professional League.
“I’m excited to play professionally in a new country and be a key piece for the team,” the 6-8 Bishop said via text message to The Equinox. “I don’t plan on moving permanently to Bulgaria, but it will require me to move there for the season.”
Bishop graduated this spring with a bachelor’s in sports administration.
When making his final decision, Bishop had to consider the current COVID-19 climate.
“Realizing everything with COVID, the decision to play abroad was a difficult one,” Bishop said. “But with it being my rookie year, I wanted to sign with a team that qualified for Eurocup which is BC Beroe. I know it’ll be a great experience.”
In his career at FDU, Bishop scored over 1,000 points. His last season, he made third team All-Northeastern Conference and averaged 8.2 points per game. He also ranks seventh in rebounds with (749).
We reached out to Head Coach Greg Herenda and received no comment.
Bishop also holds the Knights’ single-game rebounding record with 22 rebounds against LIU in the NEC semifinals in 2018.
Before Fairleigh Dickinson, Bishop played for St. Peter’s Prep high school for his freshman and sophomore year. He won back to back Non-Public, North A Championships in 2013 and 2014.
Bishop later transferred to St. Anthony’s for the remainder of his high school career, where he won the Non-Public North B Championship. In his senior season, he helped lead St. Anthony to a 32-0 record and a state championship.
Both teams were winning teams.
A Paterson native, Bishop also reflected on what this opportunity means to him and his family.
“It felt very humbling to know I’m not another statistic from Paterson,” Bishop said. “Being from Paterson and being able to get this far is a blessing, and so is the hope of one day becoming an inspiration for the young ones coming up. My family has mixed emotions, but they are excited for me to embark on this journey.”
A well-earned contract for a high caliber player, the FDU Equinox wishes him the best of luck in his career.
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Photo Courtesy of @beroe.basket on Instagram.
