BAYREUTH, GERMANY – Wednesday, BBC Bayreuth announced the signing of former Charleston Southern star and 2024-25 Big South Player of the Year, Taje' Kelly.

Bayreuth's newest forward will arrive in Germany as one of the most efficient and productive players in all of Division 1 college basketball last season. During his senior year, Kelly finished 9th in points per game (20.5), 19th in defensive rebounds per game (6.6), 20th in minutes per game (36.5), 29th in made field goals (234), 38th in rebounds per game (8.9), 39th in double doubles (10), and 46th in made free throws (149) in the country. In the Big South Conference, Kelly finished 1st in scoring, 1st in rebounding, and 4th in field goal percentage (49.7%).

When asked how he's feeling about the first step into the world of professional basketball, Kelly expressed his eagerness and excitement to play in his new team's colors.

"It is truly a blessing to play professional basketball. Playing Germany is a great start for my professional career and will be a great fit for my future. I am grateful for the opportunity and will give my heart and body to my new team. I can't wait to get started."

Kelly's new club is located in Bayreuth, Germany and competes in the Bundesliga ProA league (the second-highest division of basketball in Germany). The 2024-2025 Bayreuth roster featured four American players: KeVaughn Allen (Florida), Vin Baker Jr. (Milwaukee), Demarcus Demonia (East Texas A&M), and Tehree Horn (USC Aiken). During the team's 2024-2025 campaign, they won 13 of their 34 contests including a 86-81 victory in their last home game of the season against PS Karlsruhe.

Buccaneer head coach, and former Big South Player of the Year (2014-15) himself, Saah Nimley was thrilled to hear another one of the young men he recruited to Charleston Southern University would be continuing their basketball journey beyond the Holy City.

"We are extremely proud and excited for Taje' as he takes his first step into his professional career. He has developed each year and has added a lot to his game since he stepped foot on our campus as a freshman. I am certain that his work ethic and ambition will allow him to be a great pro from day one. We will be following closely as he enters his next chapter!"

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