Akele Leaves URI To Go Pro in Home Country of Italy

Rhode Island senior Nicola Akele has signed a professional contract with Italy’s Roseto Sharks and will not return to the Rams for the 2018-19 season.

Akele – a native of Treviso, Italy – will return to his home country and play in the Serie A2 league Sharks, who went 7-26 last season. Over the last three seasons, Akele played in 96 games for Rhode Island, including six starts. 

"Nicola has played a significant role for our program over the last three years, and he contributed to a pair of Atlantic 10 titles," Rhode Island head coach David Cox said. "While we are sorry to see him leave, we wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to the next phase in his career."

In his three seasons with Rhode Island, Akele averaged 2.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per game. He helped the Rams reach the second round of the NCAA Championship each of the last two years.