Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: Sports

Media Credit: RMU Athletics

Nearly a year ago, Jeremy Chappell was immersed in his studies preparing for his last round of final exams. At the same time, he was attempting to maintain a level of play on the basketball court capable of carrying Robert Morris to a Northeast Conference title and an NCAA Tournament birth.

The situation was very familiar for the senior hospitality major. He knew well what to expect, and succeeded with flying colors on and off the basketball court. You could say that the ball was in his hands.

Today however, the reigning NEC Player of the Year finds himself in a much more foreign environment as he is now playing professional basketball in Poland with the team Sokol Znicz Jaroslaw of the Polska Liga Koszykowki (PLK).

"My time in Poland has been a great experience. It's nice to see the way different cultures live," said Chappell.

According to Chappell, there are two primary differences from playing college basketball in the U.S. to professional basketball in Europe.

"One thing that differs from college to the European league is the defensive intensity. I must say it was a lot harder playing against Mount St. Mary's," he concluded. "On the flip side, everybody that is over here deserves to be here. There are no role players. You can't scout to stop two players because anybody can go out there score 20 (points) on any given night. "

The other dramatic change on the court is the crowd atmosphere.

"You think you know crazy fans until you experience die hard fans," he laughed. "They will fight other fans just for pride. Others will drive 12 hours in a bus every week just so they can support you, and even if you lose by 30, they congratulate you and tell you that you had a good game," he said.

Ironically, all those fans that tell Jeremy he has had a good game are more than likely telling the truth.

Over the course of his career at Robert Morris University, Chappell became one of the most decorated players in the program's history. From the moment he dawned the blue and red jersey, Chappell made his presence felt on the floor.

Named All-NEC Rookie of the Year in 2006, All-NEC 2nd Team in 2008, and All-NEC 1st Team in 2009, Chappell averaged 6 rebounds and 3 assists in addition to his 16.7 points per game. He also finished his collegiate career as one of the NEC's most prolific perimeter shooters, knocking down 39.6% of his shots from behind the arc.

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