The professional basketball journey for many college players often takes them across continents, and for Mason Gillis, a recent graduate who split his impactful collegiate career between Purdue and Duke, that journey is now confirmed to begin in Belgium. Specifically, Gillis has signed with Hubo Limburg United in the BNXT League, a top-tier competition featuring teams from both Belgium and the Netherlands. This marks a significant step for the 24-year-old forward, and early indications suggest he has a decent shot at making a substantial impact in the European professional ranks.
Gillis is a name that resonates with college basketball fans, particularly those who followed the Purdue Boilermakers and the Duke Blue Devils in recent seasons. He spent four seasons at Purdue (2019-2024), where he became a fan favorite due to his relentless hustle, defensive tenacity, and surprisingly consistent three-point shooting. He was a crucial piece off the bench for Purdue, earning the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award in 2024. In his final season with the Boilermakers, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds, shooting an impressive 46.8% from beyond the arc. His contributions were vital to Purdue’s success, including their run to the 2024 NCAA Championship game.
After five years in West Lafayette, Gillis utilized his extra year of COVID-19 eligibility to transfer to Duke for the 2024-25 season. This move allowed him to experience a new program and a different conference, playing for one of college basketball’s most storied institutions. While his statistical output at Duke was slightly lower (averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 37 games), his role remained consistent: providing energy, veteran leadership, defensive versatility, and timely perimeter shooting off the bench. He was part of a Duke squad that won the ACC Tournament and reached the Final Four, further cementing his reputation as a winner and a valuable role player.
Now, as he transitions to the professional level, Belgium offers a compelling environment for Gillis’s debut. The BNXT League is a competitive league, known for its strategic play and physical style. It serves as an excellent proving ground for American players looking to carve out a successful career overseas. Hubo Limburg United, a prominent team in the league, has expressed enthusiasm for Gillis’s arrival, highlighting his “flair, dedication, and scoring ability from a distance.” They explicitly stated their conviction that he will play an “important role for the club and looks forward to his contribution on and off the court.”
Several factors suggest Mason Gillis has a strong chance to succeed in Belgium and potentially beyond:
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High Basketball IQ and Fundamentally Sound Play: Gillis isn’t an elite athlete by NBA standards, but he compensates with an exceptional basketball IQ. He understands spacing, makes smart passes, knows when and where to cut, and consistently makes the right play. These are highly valued attributes in European basketball, which often emphasizes team play and tactical execution over raw athleticism. His ability to move without the ball, set effective screens, and find open teammates will make him a valuable offensive component.
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Elite Three-Point Shooting: His shooting percentages, particularly his 46.8% from three-point range in his final year at Purdue, are elite for any level of basketball. Spacing the floor is crucial in modern basketball, and Gillis’s ability to consistently knock down perimeter shots will force defenses to respect him, opening up driving lanes for guards and creating space for big men. This skill alone makes him an immediate asset for Limburg United.
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Defensive Versatility and Effort: Gillis is known for his relentless effort on the defensive end. While not a primary rim protector, his size (6’6″, 225 lbs) allows him to guard multiple positions, from bigger wings to some power forwards. He hustles for loose balls, crashes the boards, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint. This kind of “glue guy” defense is highly appreciated in European leagues, where every possession matters and team defense is paramount. His experience playing against top-tier college talent at both Purdue and Duke has prepared him for the physicality and skill of professional players.
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Veteran Leadership and Experience: Despite being a rookie professional, Gillis brings five years of high-level collegiate experience, including multiple NCAA Tournament runs to the national championship game and Final Four, as well as Big Ten and ACC championships. He’s played under two highly respected coaches in Matt Painter and Jon Scheyer, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and preparation. This maturity and winning pedigree will be invaluable for Hubo Limburg United, providing a steadying presence on a professional roster that often blends veterans with younger talent.
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Role Acceptance: Throughout his college career, Gillis consistently embraced his role, whether as a starter or a key reserve. He understood his strengths and played within himself, focusing on contributing to team success. This unselfishness and willingness to do the “dirty work” will make him a highly coachable player and a valuable teammate in Europe, where individual accolades often take a backseat to collective achievement.
While Gillis has a strong foundation for success, he will undoubtedly face new challenges in Europe:
- Adjustment to European Game Style: The European game is often more physical, less focused on individual isolation, and emphasizes ball movement and complex offensive sets. While his high IQ should help, he will need to adapt to the nuances of European officiating and tactical approaches.
- Off-Court Adjustments: Living in a new country, adapting to a different culture, language, and lifestyle can be a significant hurdle for many American players. Gillis’s maturity should aid him in this transition, but it’s a real factor.
- Maintaining Consistency: The professional schedule is longer and more demanding than college. Gillis will need to maintain his efficiency and intensity over a full season.
Hubo Limburg United is a good landing spot for Gillis. The BNXT League features 20 teams (10 from Belgium, 10 from the Netherlands) and is a well-regarded stepping stone for players hoping to climb the professional ranks in Europe. The team seems to value his specific skillset, which bodes well for his playing time and integration into their system.
Mason Gillis’s professional debut in Belgium is more than just a footnote; it’s a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and the fundamental skills he honed over a distinguished college career. His journey from being a crucial “glue guy” at Purdue to a valued veteran presence at Duke has prepared him for the rigors of professional basketball. With his elite shooting, defensive effort, and high basketball IQ, it appears the former Blue Devil and Boilermaker has a genuinely promising shot at a successful career overseas, proving that foundational skills and a winning mindset can take you far, regardless of whether you make it to the NBA.
