The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

AFTER the conclusion of a stellar collegiate career, Michael Carey Jr will begin his professional career in the Dominican Republic.

Carey was signed to Soles de Santo Domingo of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB) - the top league in the country - which features eight teams in an annual summer season.

Through seven games, the 6'5" guard has averaged 13.6 and 6.5 rebounds per game for the struggling club, which remains near the bottom of the league standings despite his efforts.

He made his debut with the club on June 13 and posted nine points, six rebounds and three assists just days after he was signed. He followed up with a 22-point, five rebound and 18-point, six rebound games respectively in his next two outings. He has scored in double figures in five of the last seven games and in his last game posted 18 points and five assists.

Carey completed his two-year career at Wagner University last March with a number of accolades for his numbers in the senior season.

His list of postseason awards include: Third Team All-Metropolitan, First Team All-Northeast Conference, All-NEC Tournament honours and the National Association of Basketball Coaches District 18 First Team.

Carey scored in double figures in 47 games, hitting for 20 or more points 13 times and pulling down 10 or more rebounds in 31 games while leading the Seahawks on the boards in 42 contests. He also became just the fourth player in Wagner men's basketball history to record 20 double-doubles or more for a career, as he finished his playing career with 27.

He started all 30 games for the Seahawks in 2016-17 and played an integral role on a Seahawks team that qualified for the NEC postseason tournament for the seventh consecutive season and fifth straight under head coach Bashir Mason.

In NEC contests during the 2016-17 regular season, Carey averaged 13.8 points per game while grabbing a team-high 9.6 rebounds per game.

Carey outlined his Wagner University experience and the indelible mark the Staten Island institution had on his character and career.

"In my two years here on Grymes Hill, I could go on and on, but I want to take the time to acknowledge the school, the Wagner Community, and most importantly, the Wagner coaches administration for allowing me the chance to come here and live out my dream. The small school on the hill, which many people don't know about, that's little by little starting to get the recognition it deserves.

"I remember President Guarasci telling me that many alumni never leave Wagner, they always stay close or come back. He is right, however, for me, I will be leaving Wagner, though this place will always have a special place in my heart. I want to thank the facilities and maintenance personnel for the work that they put in and waiting on me late into the night after using the gym to better my craft. Additionally, I want to thank the Sports Information staff for all the exposure they've given me.

"I thank the many friends I've encountered who showed me various personalities, giving me the confidence to be able to interact with anyone in the world. I won't ever forget the memories I've accumulated here."