Few former Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball players have had the kind of careers that Jason Dourisseau has had. Most simply don't have the skills or the wherewithal to ply their trade overseas as long as he did.
Dourisseau didn't just go to Europe in order to try and make a few bucks until he could find a way to come back to the states. He truly embraced playing across the pond and became one of the best American players to get signed to the Euor League and one of the most beloved to ever play for Dutch basketball team Donar.
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β Donar (@Donar_Official) August 23, 2024
Donar is enorm blij om te melden dat Jason Dourisseau, bij velen meer bekend als JD, terugkeert naar de club. Dit keer niet als speler, maar als assistent-coach.
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It's likely that Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball fans didn't see Dourisseau's career going this way. However, he's forged quite the run overseas and today that includes starting a coaching career with that same Donar team with whom he's so beloved.
Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball star starts coaching career overseas
Donar announced on Friday that Dourrisseau is now officially an assistant coach for the squad, just months after he formally retired as a player.
"As a player, Jason was a true leader on and off the pitch," the team wrote in announcing his hiring. "With Donar, he won the Dutch championship five times and led the team to several Cup and Super Cup victories. His hard work, dedication and leadership made him beloved by fans and teammates. JD's influence was so great that Donar proudly retired his number 8 jersey - an honor that only a few are given. A stand has also been named after him."
Dourrsseau played for the Nebraska basketball team from 2002 to 2006, first as a reserve and then a starter in his final two season. His senior season was his best, as he averaged 11.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1 steal per game.
After the 2006 season he began a career in Europe where he spent time with Riesen Ludwigsburg, KR, GasTerra Flames, Donar, s.Oliver WΓΌrzburg, Donar again, and finally Aris Leeuwarden.
As the team noted, with Donar, he led the team to many championships and was just the second player to have his number retired. As his playing career comes to an end, he's forging a new path. It's hardly a path that other former Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball players could envision for themselves but he's more than made it work.