In an exciting development for UNC Asheville's men's basketball team, head coach Mike Morrell has announced the recruitment of transfer forward/center David Hermes. The seasoned player brings a wealth of experience from his time at UTSA and Indian Hills Community College, along with international exposure through his participation in Syrian National Team games. Standing at 6-10, Hermes is set to enhance the Bulldogs' roster as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. His diverse background and impressive statistics make him a valuable addition to the team.
Details of David Hermes' Journey to UNC Asheville
Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, David Hermes joins UNC Asheville after spending one year at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). During his tenure there, he participated in 26 matches, starting in 18 of them, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts on the court. At UTSA, Hermes demonstrated strong field performance with a shooting accuracy of nearly 48%, alongside collecting 47 rebounds and scoring an average of 1.9 points per game. Notably, he achieved a personal best by scoring 11 points against Southwestern Adventist University.
Prior to his stint in Texas, Hermes spent two years at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. Under his leadership, the Warriors excelled, achieving a remarkable 29-6 record and securing both regional and district championships en route to the NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship Final Four. In his concluding season at Indian Hills, Hermes showcased exceptional shooting skills, hitting 47.6% of his attempts from the floor and an impressive 39.3% from three-point range. These achievements translated into averages of 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
Beyond collegiate play, Hermes represented the Syrian National Team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, averaging 3.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. Additionally, he contributed to the Syrian squad during the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Before embarking on this journey, Hermes played professionally for Ciudad de Huelva Baloncesto in Spain's Liga EBA in 2022. His educational foundation was laid at Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, Florida, where he helped lead his team to a 30-5 record and a SIAA playoff appearance.
David Hermes’ integration into UNC Asheville signifies not only the infusion of global talent but also highlights the growing appeal of American collegiate sports among international athletes. As someone who has traversed multiple continents and experienced various levels of competition, Hermes brings more than just skill; he embodies resilience, adaptability, and a spirit of collaboration. This move could inspire other talented players across the globe to consider U.S. universities as viable pathways to professional success. For aspiring athletes following Hermes’ path, it underscores the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities wherever they arise.
