CPP alumnus Nikhil Peters (’20, computer information systems) signed a contract with BC DVIN on Sept. 15 to play professional basketball overseas in Armenia. Peters will begin his new journey next week and start preparing for team’s first official game in October.
As a Bronco, Peters scored over 500 points in his collegiate career, averaging nearly six points per game. He appeared in 107 games for CPP over the past four seasons and was one of six Broncos to appear in all 30 games in 2019-20 season.
“I am excited to play overseas because this has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid to be a professional athlete,” Peters said. “It is a blessing to have an opportunity like this and travel the world at the same time.”
Peters received an opportunity to play overseas by having connections with basketball coaches and sport agents. A former trainer connected him with a scout that works with EuroBasket, an overseas platform that advertises jobs and signings with players.
The scout offered Peters a spot on the BC DVIN team in Armenia that provided a well-paid salary.
“I don’t know what to expect and I think that’s what I’m most excited about,” Peters said. I am anxious to learn about Armenia’s culture and adjust to their way of life. It is going to be a lot different than the Bay Area and I’m excited for a change. It is going to teach me a lot about myself as an individual.”
Throughout the short preseason, Peters will be practicing and scrimmaging in Yerevan against other teams to get ready for the regular season. The Armenian Basketball A-league has seven teams which includes 12 regular season games. Peters is training to be a shooting guard or a point guard for the BC DVIN basketball team and hopes to receive a starting position.
Peters has been training at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to prepare for his new adventure in Armenia. He works with multiple trainers in the Bay Area and in the Inland Empire to help him get stronger and faster on the court.
“It has been tough training at such a high level because professional teams expect you to be in top-notch shape,” Peters said. I’ve spent a lot of time this summer working on my health and physical strength so that I am prepared to excel on the court.”
CPP has taught Peters a lot about being on his own and being independent as a student athlete. He became a leader on and off the court and will translate his leadership skills to his new team in Armenia.
With his degree in computer information systems, Peters hopes to have his own software company after he retires from basketball.
“My experience at CPP was unforgettable, I learned a lot about the game from my coaches and teammates over the course of four years,” Peters said. “I think the biggest aspect I took away from being there was learning how to work hard but work smart and efficiently.”