KILLARNEY, IRELAND - The Killarney Cougars Basketball Club have announced the signing of former Utica University men's basketball player, Darius Hopkins (Tampa, FL/Seffner Christian). Hopkins is set to begin his professional career immediately. 
 
The Cougars, an organization part of Basketball Ireland and founded in 1995, are a member of the South Conference in the Ireland-Division 1 League. Basketball Ireland is part of International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Europe, the European governing body, and of FIBA, the World governing body. Basketball Ireland is responsible for the promotion and administration of basketball throughout Ireland and for Irish international participation.
 
Hopkins becomes the first player to turn pro under Head Coach Sean Coffey. He is also the first Utica men's player to turn pro since Doug Herring did so in 2010. 
 
"We are thrilled for Darius, as one the best players to ever wear a Utica jersey, to have the opportunity to continue his basketball career professionally," said Coffey. "Darius and I had many conversations over the years on how to make this goal achievable. A large part of why Darius attended Utica, coming from Tampa, FL, and returned as a 5th year player, was that he felt we gave him a strong chance to play beyond his college eligibility. Darius is just the first of more that I look forward to helping play beyond Utica. There will be more that have these goals and the ability to play over there. 
 
Throughout his five years spent at Utica, Hopkins averaged 12.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game throughout his career. He helped the Pioneers win their first ever Empire 8 championship in 2021 and also led the team to its second NCAA tournament appearance in 2023. Hopkins' 21 point effort propelled Utica past Babson in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He would then score 30 points in Utica's loss to Rowan in the round of 32. 
 
His illustrious career at Utica placed him first in free throws made with 323, first in games played with 116, fourth all-time in scoring with 1,469 points, and fourth all-time with 172 three-pointers. 
 
Coffey went on to add, "It is also a pretty cool full circle moment that our first pro that I've coached signed his first contract to play in the same country that I did years ago. We wish Darius the best of luck as he starts to build a career in professional basketball. I am very proud of him."