INDIANAPOLIS - Former IUPUI basketball standout Elyjah Goss has inked a professional deal to play for Boras Basket in Sweden this fall. Goss, who finished as IUPUI's all-time leader in rebounds, is represented by Trinity Best Sports and is excited to venture overseas. 

"It's a true blessing, honestly. Not a lot of people can say that they've played pro basketball outside of college basketball," Goss said. "I'm just blessed for the opportunity and am ready to take it as far as I can."

Goss has continued to work on his game since the conclusion of the college season and should continue his rebounding and defensive prowess at the professional level. He averaged 11.1 points and 11.6 rebounds per game as a senior and finished with IUPUI's single-game (21), single-season (369) and career (880) rebounding records, despite an abbreviated final campaign that was shortened to 18 contests due to COVID-19. In addition, he finished his IUPUI career with 25 double-doubles and was voted to the Horizon League's All-Defensive Team as a junior in 2020. 

"I feel like I'll come in and can be that energy guy or that effort guy that can get you that tip dunk or that ally-oop play to get the momentum of the team going," Goss said. "I'm trying to expand my game and that's what I've been doing this summer and this offseason. I'm trying to expand my shot out and have been working on my ball-handling and things like that."

"As a staff, we're excited for Elyjah. He has the game and the mindset to be successful overseas," head coach Matt Crenshaw said. "I was here when we recruited Elyjah and was able to coach him for a couple years and continued to keep tabs on him while I was at Ball State. He's a big time energy guy and is a good defender, both on and off the ball. He'll be able to impact games at both ends of the floor and continue to grow his game in a professional environment.

Goss joins an already impressive list of Jaguars in the professional ranks. Former IUPUI star George Hill recently concluded his 13th year in the NBA, finishing the season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ahmed Ismail and Alex Young are both currently in the Egyptian Superleague while D.J. McCall recently inked a deal with Albacete in Spain. Robert Glenn plays for Sameji in the Dominican Republic's Santiago League. Others, including John Hart and Kellon Thomas, are continuing their careers in the states as part of The Basketball League. 

"Obviously, everyone wants to follow George's lead and make it in the league but we've got quite a few guys that are making a pretty good living by playing basketball overseas," Crenshaw said. "It's exciting to see D.J. is in Spain after a year in the G-League and is continuing to work really hard and improve and impact games.

"Both Alex and Rob (Glenn) have made really nice playing careers overseas and continue to represent our program and the city of Indianapolis incredibly well. It's fun to see those guys enjoy success."