Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Damian Saunders, who completed a standout career at Duquesne in March, has signed a contract to play professionally for BG Göttingen of the German Bundesliga.

The two-time Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year is the seventh player from DU’s 2007-08 team to sign a professional contract. Of the seven, six are still playing overseas.

“I’m looking forward to new challenges,” said Saunders, the only player in NCAA history to post more than 250 assists, steals and blocks. “I know the basketball in Germany is very competitive. I’m grateful for both the opportunity to play professionally and to continue to improve as a basketball player.”

Saunders set Duquesne career records for games (127), starts (116), steals (277), blocks (300) and dunks (166). He posted the third-most rebounds (1,019) and double-doubles (36) in school history and his .506 career field goal percentage ranked 10th all-time. His 1,511 points ranked 11th on the DU career list.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Damian will excel in Europe,” said Duquesne head coach Ron Everhart. “He gave his best effort every time he stepped on the court at Duquesne and his competitiveness won’t let him perform at anything less than a high level as a professional. I look for him to follow in the footsteps of his former teammates who are doing very well overseas.”