By The Beacon Sports Staff

As SMCC finds itself discussing and trying to define student success, it is wonderful to hear that SMCC alum and basketball standout Jose Nouchanthavong has signed a professional contract to play in Thailand’s Basketball Super League. Nouchanthavong, a 6’2’’ guard, will join Luang Prabang, one of the 11 teams that compete in the men’s division of the Thailand Basketball League founded in 2012.

Nouchanthavong, who graduated from Westbrook High School, was described by SMCC Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Richards “as a solid point guard on a really good high school team.” “He was a bit overshadowed on that team and was very under-recruited,” Richards said. “I had seen him play and was very active in recruiting him to attend SMCC.”

Jose is not the first SeaWolf to sign a professional contract, as three others — Paul Holland, Jacob Loveridge and Ville Wuorenjuuri — have also done so.

Coach Richards also reflected upon Jose’s time at SMCC, stating, “During his time with us he elevated his game to not simply be a solid point guard, but to be a player that was on opposing coaches’ scouting reports as a must-try-to-contain kind of guy.”

Jose’s skill set on the court, his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, was an opportunity to witness basketball where spontaneity and fluidity meet. While the opponent has been lost in memory, one distinct moment comes to the forefront for this sports reporter.

With time running out in the first half and Jose searching for a path to the basket, he took one, maybe two quick steps in towards the basket as if he was going to drive to the basket. In a split-second decision he took another step back, freeing himself from the defender, launching a three-point shot that found nothing but the bottom of the net.
Reflecting on these abilities, Matt Richards stated, “He was a prolific scorer who could distribute the ball, making him so hard to defend. This is an attribute that he developed over time in the gym. He constantly would work on his skills to get better and always strived to be better every time he took to the court.”

Nouchanthavong also ranks eighth in rebounding, grabbing 434 boards; has dished out 470 assists (5.1 ast/g), which ranks him second; and has picked the opponent’s pocket 181 times, which ranks him third. Jose also finished his career at SMCC scoring 986 points, was a Yankee Small College All-Conference (YSCC) selection, and a First Team United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-American.

Coach Richards also shared this insight concerning Jose’s trajectory: “The road wasn’t always easy for him. However, he believed in himself when others didn’t and strived to reach his goals of trying to play professionally.”

Jose Nouchanthavong drives against Vermont Tech in his final year of play at SMCC.

After finishing at SMCC, Nouchanthavong transferred to the University of Southern Maine, earning recognition as a 2016 Little East All-Conference selection averaging 18.2 points and 4.5 assists in 26 games.

Richards ended his comments saying, “He really embodies what the mission of SMCC stands for and what we hope to instill in our student athletes in terms of developing oneself through determination and perseverance in creating opportunities for yourself in achieving your goals.”

Like Coach Richards, who “couldn’t be happier for his success,” the Beacon would like to extend the best of wishes to Jose as he starts his next endeavor on the basketball court.