WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- The University of the Cumberlands has produced its fair share of great athletes who you just know can make an impact at the next level. The men's basketball program has also had its share of success over the years, but one player right now is standing out among the rest.

Luke Fitzgerald (Cleveland, OH) graduated from the University of the Cumberlands and began his professional basketball career with the Bluegrass Stallions in Lexington, Kentucky. After putting up monstrous numbers off the bench there, he was being seen all throughout the county and the world as an impact player. One team in particular, the Dandenong Rangers from Australia, took the opportunity to get Fitzgerald to the land down under. 

Fitzgerald signed a contract with the Rangers and has made a huge impact on the team since his arrival. In 18 games, Luke is leading his team in points per game (17.3) and rebounds per game (8.8). On the season, Fitzgerald is shooting an impressive 80.2% from the free throw stripe as well as 54.8% from the field. The Rangers are 8-10 on the season, but are on a 4-game winning streak and are 6th in their division. 

"I had to learn to understand the Aussie accent," said Fitzgerald laughing. "That was something I struggled with but the people I've met have been very helpful. I'm happy to provide whatever coach wants from me. If he wants points, I'll score, if he wants me to rebound, then that's what I'll focus on. I'm keen to do whatever I'm asked to do."

Fitzgerald is also joined in Australia by another former Patriot in Tenille Cann, who is also playing professionally in Australia for the Hume City Broncos and averaging 10.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. 

"It is a great experience down here," said Luke. "Everyone shows me so much love and the community and organization has really made me feel at home. They gave me a house and car and made it really easy for me to adjust to life over here although it did take me a while to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road! It was great to meet up with Tenille and better yet to see that she is doing well playing professionally here as well. She really helped me get used to a lot of things. She's a pretty good tour guide as well."

During Luke's senior year at Cumberlands, Fitzgerald averaged 17.2 points per game which ranked him number four in the Mid-South Conference and #41 in NAIA Division I. Also, Luke pulled down 7.9 rebounds per game earning him second in the Mid-South Conference and 31st in NAIA. Fitzgerald ranked number two in the Mid-South Conference and sixth in the NAIA for field goal percentage. He shot 60.4% (201-333) from the field last season. While at Cumberland, Fitzgerald scored 1,498 points which ranks him number ten on the all-time career scoring list at Cumberlands. He also pulled down 776 rebounds for his career. After his senior year, Fitzgerald was awarded his second NAIA All-American honor; the first time he was named to the third team, and the second time as a first team All-American. Luke is one of only four Patriot players to be awarded two All-American honors.

"I'm still adjusting to new things each day, but I'm loving it along the way," said Luke. "Cumberland is definitely known about here in Australia now, and this is just the beginning." 

To follow Luke and his Dandenong Rangers, visit http://www.dandenongbasketball.com.au. For more information on Patriot athletics, please visit www.ucumberlnads.edu/athletics.