Auburn, ME – Head Men's Basketball Coach, Dave Gonyea, is pleased to announce Nicolas Dierynck, a shooting guard from Roeselare, Belgium has signed on to play for the Mustangs.
Nic has a unique story. Two years ago, as a prep player at Lee Academy in Maine, Coach Gonyea attempted to recruit Nic to play for the Mustangs. Nic was equally recruited by Lidenwood Belleville College as well. He chose Lindenwood. However, after arriving on campus, the coach who recruited him had moved on and accepted another positon at another college. This left Nic with a new coach who proceeded to bring in his own players. Nic decided to red shirt. A bit frustrated, the next year Nic moved on the Cuesta College in California. A good program, but a program that played a minimum amount of players and Nic was not in the top six, hence; he went to his second college and, after red shirting his first year, and played minimal his second year. He just wanted to play. He reached out to Coach Gonyea again after their previous conversation three years before and indicated he wanted to start over.
This is a new beginning for Nic and one he is looking forward to. Nic responded to the questions below.
CM: Why did you choose CM?
Nic: Coach really showed me that he cares about his players, and made me feel very welcome. I talked to a lot of the players as well and I really liked the athletic environment. On top of that, coach really emphasized the family aspect of the program, which was really appealing.
CM: What did you like most about the campus?
Nic: I liked how close everything was on campus. I also really felt like people wanted to help everyone and was just very kind and open.
CM: How do you think playing college basketball will differ from your previous experience?
Nic: I previously redshirted at a four year school and played at another community college last season, so I feel like I already have some experience at the college level. I think that CM will help me to develop even more as a player.
CM: What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing basketball at CM?
Nic: I am looking forward to first of all play for coach Gonyea and the team. I am looking forward to contribute to the team and help the team win. I am also looking forward to develop as a player and bring my game to the next level and pursue my dreams and I am excited to meet new people and play in the family environment of the CM basketball program.
CM: What do you think you can bring to the team next year?
Nic: I think I can bring some experience to the team, as I have already played at the college level for two years. I believe that my shooting abilities will definitely translate to the fast pace game that coach Gonyea wants to plays at as well as my overall game. Other than that I someone that will always give it my all and I am extremely dedicated to the game.
CM: Describe your basketball experience.
Nic: I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old. I always played at the highest youth levels in Belgium before I decided to come to the US in 2016. I graduated high school in Belgium and then I did a postgraduate year at Lee Academy in Maine. After that, I went to Lindenwood Belleville University, which is an NAIA D1 in Illinois, where I decided to redshirt. This season I played Junior college at Cuesta College in California.
CM: What is your biggest strength in basketball?
Nic: My biggest strength is my shooting, but I think that there is a lot more that I can do. My eagerness to improve as well as my dedication and motivation helped me to become the player that I am today.
Coach Gonyea adds," I liked Nic three years ago, and I like him today. He shoots the ball well, has played with some talented players, and is genuinely a nice kid. I see him a key piece in our attack. After spending some time with him, I believe CM is the perfect spot for him to jump from and regain his confidence."
"In the classroom, Nic is a stellar student athlete and has his priorities in order. He comes to us with a 3.7 GPA. I see a bright future with Nic in Mustang red.
Basketball Achievements
2013 final cup of West-Flandres (Belgium)
2013 quarterfinal international tournament Barcelona (Spain)
2013 semifinal cup of Flandres (Belgium)
2013 third place international Xmas tournament Kortrijk (Belgium)
2014 winner final cup of West-Flandres (Belgium)
2014 semifinal cup of Flandres (Belgium)
2014 third place international Xmas tournament Kortrijk (Belgium)
2014 third place international tournament Wien (Austria)
2014 second place highest division with Telenet Ostend
2015 semifinal cup of West-Flandres (Belgium)
2015 quarterfinal of Flandres (Belgium)
2015 fourth place highest division with Telenet Ostend
2015 Summer Jam Chicago : quarterfinal (USA)
2015 Summer Jam Milwaukee : semifinal (USA)
2016 regional runner up Bent Shoes Waregem
2016 5th national league (U18) Bent Shoes Waregem
2016 NCAA Summer Jam Chicago : quaterfinal (USA)
2016 double pump tournament Annaheim (USA)
2016-2017 Nepsac runner up 2017 LEE ACADEMY, (USA)
Averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assits, 44% from 3
2017 San Antonio Summer Championships (USA)
2017 Double pump tournement Annaheim (USA)
2017-2018 NAIA, DIV1 LINDENWOOD BELLEVILLE UNIVERSITY
High School Achievements
High honors at Lee Academy
Dean's list at Lindenwood Belleville
