Former Kentucky State basketball standout Shaquanda Wiggins received the opportunity to take her game to the next level on Friday when she signed a contract to play professionally in Europe.

Wiggins made a big impact in her senior season with the Thorobrettes, averaging 11.7 points per game while leading the team with 8.5 rebounds per game and 30 blocks on the season. After posting those numbers, Wiggins was able to draw attention from overseas, where she will compete with Tallinn 1182 of the Latvia-Estonia Basketball League.

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to play professionally," Wiggins said. "It's an exciting time in my life, and I'm looking forward to it. I hope this opens some doors for some other players to play professionally and I hope that I can use it to the best of my ability."

After coming to Kentucky State from the University of Central Missouri, Wiggins' individual performance helped bring about quite a bit of team success for the Thorobrettes as well.  An All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference performer last season, Wiggins helped lead Kentucky State to a 22-6 overall record, a 16-2 SIAC record, and an SIAC West Division regular season championship. Along the way, the Thorobrettes built a 13-game winning streak, posted their best record since the 1996-97 season, and reached the NCAA Tournament for the third time as a program.

"First, I have to congratulate Shaq on receiving a contract to play overseas," said Thorobrettes head coach Serena King-Coleman. "This helps elevate the program to a level that it has not been in recent years.  I am extremely proud and excited of her and for her. Not only is she the first player in many years to receive this opportunity in the KSU women's basketball program, but she is also my first player to go pro."

Regular season play in the Latvia-Estonia Basketball League begins in October. Tallin 1182 posted a 16-5 record last season, placing third in the 12-team league.