DETROIT (7/16/2016) -- Nick Minnerath '13 just wrapped up a stint in the NBA Summer League, and he will again take his game to Europe as he has signed a contract with BC Avtodor Saratov in Russia.

BC Avtodor Saratov is in the top tier of the VTB United League and reached the quarterfinals of the EuroChallenge in 2015. The team has also won two Russian Supper League titles in the last six years.

"Nick has an excellent cast. He is younger and more aggressive and quite equipped technically," said club president Vladimir Rodionov. "His wife (Valeryia Kulikovskaya '16, a four-year letter winner in tennis at Detroit Mercy from 2012-2016) is originally from Belarus, which will make his adaptation in Russia easier and painless." 

Blessed an thankful to be joining @AvtodorSaratov next season! ?????? another great opportunity!

— TheCapeCodKid (@NickMinnerath) July 15, 2016

Minnerath played with the New Orleans Pelicans this summer in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League and that was after an outstanding season in the NBA Development League with the Canton Charge, an affiliate of the world champion Cleveland Cavaliers. He was tabbed All-NBDL Second Team after finishing second on the team in scoring (18.5) and rebounding (6.9), while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from behind the arc. He also helped the squad to a record 31 wins.

#chargeup Best wishes @NickMinnerath Your story, work ethic, grit & style play was appreciated by Charge Nation. https://t.co/4ZucJiNKaD

— Charge Nation (@Charge_Nation) July 15, 2016

He is a veteran of European basketball playing with Obradoiro CAB of Spain and STB Le Havre and Cholet Basket in France from 2013-15. He also suited up in the NBA Summer League with the Sacramento Kings in 2013 and the Brooklyn Nets in 2014. 

Minnerath lettered at Detroit Mercy from 2010-2013 and helped guide the team to a 2013 NIT squad and was a member of the 2012 Horizon League championship that earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. 

He earned All-Horizon League First Team as a senior when he finished fifth in the HL in scoring at 14.6 points per game, while also leading the Titans in rebounding at 5.9 per game. 

In 71 career games, he posted 913 points and 374 rebounds, missing most of the 2011-12 year due to a knee injury. He was selected the Co-MVP as a junior, the Larry Doyle Most Dedicated Titan in 2012 and 2013 and the team's Defensive Player of the Year as a redshirt senior. 
 

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