COLUMBUS - Columbus State University men's basketball alum Nelson Haskin recently signed a professional contract with the KK Vrsacs basketball club in Vrsacs, Serbia.

"Nelson was not only a great player for our program, he also was a great ambassador for Columbus State University," said Columbus State head men's basketball coach Robert Moore. "The Cougar family is truly happy he has an opportunity to play professional basketball."

A Demopolis, Ala. native, Haskin played three seasons at Columbus State and became one of the best defensive players in Cougar basketball history. A two-time Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2021-22, 2022-23), Haskin ranks in the top-12 in blocks in a career in the PBC with 146, placing him second in CSU's all-time record book.

The 6-7 forward recorded 475 total rebounds in his career at CSU, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game. He averaged a .521 field goal percentage and was .647 on the free-throw line.

Haskin was named All-PBC Second Team in 2023 and was honored as an All-Tournament MVP recipient in 2022. He also was the PBC Player of the Week on Dec. 12, 2022. He received his bachelor's degree in communication from Columbus State's College of the Arts in May 2023.

Haskin departed for Serbia Tuesday, Sept. 19 where he will compete in the regular season for KK Vrsacs from Oct. 1 to April 14. Playoffs will then start in May and finish in August.