The Grove Report

Former Ole Miss Center Nysier Brooks Named Latvian Basketball League Finals MVP

Former Ole Miss Rebel Nysier Brooks is making a name for himself overseas in the Latvian Basketball League.

Ben King

OXFORD, Miss. -- While the Ole Miss Rebels men's basketball team is undergoing a facelift this offseason with newly hired coach Chris Beard, a former player made his impact felt overseas in the professional Latvian Basketball League (LBL). Former Ole Miss center Nysier Brooks led VEF Riga to its fourth straight LBL championship last Tuesday, being named the most valuable player for his incredible efforts.

Brooks helped VEF Riga take down Ventspils in Game 5 of the LBL Finals by a score of 79-61, recording 20 points and 11 rebounds in the series finale. In Game 4, Brooks posted a whopping 30 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks en route to an 89-74 victory. In Game 2, Brooks put up 20 points and five rebounds after registering 20 points and nine boards in Game 1. 

The championship run had such a positive impact on Brooks that he even decided to get a special tattoo over his heart to celebrate and show appreciation.

"Latvia will always have a special place in my heart, that’s why I got it next to my heart." -- Brooks after winning the 2023 LBL Championship

Brooks elected to play hoops overseas after spending the 2021-22 NCAA season with the Rebels. The Burlington, NJ., native appeared in 32 contests for Ole Miss averaging 9.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Before transferring to Ole Miss, Brooks spent the 2020-21 season with the Miami Hurricanes after playing for the Cincinnati Bearcats for three years.

The former three-star recruit was a member of Cincinnati's 2016 signing class and rated as the No. 8 player in the state of New Jersey.

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Ben King
BEN KING

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