Following his graduation from Biola this spring, Andre Murillo is shipping off for the bright lights and big city of Hamburg, Germany. The forward recently signed a one-year contract to play for the Hamburg Towers, a new organization in the 2. Basketball Bundesliga.

The signing comes as a relief and blessing to Murillo, who is excited to be able to call the game he loves his job. Now, for the first time in a very long time, he gets to play basketball without worrying about his homework assignments due the next morning.

His time in pro basketball begins with the Towers, but there is potential that in time Murillo can move forward and progress into the top professional league in the area (BBL).

During his time with the Towers he will have a chance to enjoy living in the second-largest city in Germany and 13th-largest in all of Europe. He has a chance to make an immediate impact on this new team as it enters its first season in the association.

“I feel so very blessed by God,” said Murillo. “I want to always remember that this is just a short chapter in my life, and just a ‘detail’ in my journey to conforming to Christ’s image.”

Hamburg is also located in the northern part of Germany, which puts Murillo close to his family that lives in the area. This makes it so that his grandparents, aunts, uncles and some other relatives will be able to attend his home games.

The Towers recently released a press release regarding Murillo’s signing, citing his size, mid-range shooting and German ancestry as attributes they are excited to add to their team.

His team opens play in the Bundesliga on Sept. 27. Until then he will be in training and getting to know his teammates. He is attempting to use this time as a ministry experience where he can be a light for his teammates, fans and those he comes in contact with.

“I want to thank Biola for teaching me more about God’s character. I know my identity and purpose in Christ better because of you,” said Murillo. “I also want to thank Coach Holmquist for giving me a chance to play for Biola. I had a bad reputation before I came, and he saw me through the eyes of grace, as a new creation.”

Murillo is keeping a blog about his time with the Towers at http://sontothefather.blogspot.com/.