The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Karisma Chapman To Play Professional Basketball In Israel
9/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB women's basketball standout Karisma Chapman will continue her basketball career after signing with a professional team in Israel. Chapman will start her pro career at Hap.Petah Tikva.
"It's a little scary," Chapman admitted. " I have never been out of the country so this will be my first time. You can't just drive back home or take a quick flight home. It takes a whole day of travel to get back. At the same time though, it is a really exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to getting over there."
A native of Calumet City, Ill., Chapman left her mark on the UAB record books during her four years with the Blazers. She finished her career with 1,641 points, which ranks ninth all-time in scoring. She also ranks second in school history with 280 steals and is fourth with 96 blocks.
The opportunity to continue her basketball career is something that Chapman truly cherishes and is a chance for her to do what she has always wanted to do.
"It means a lot to me with all that I have been through in high school, college, and just growing up period," Chapman said. "I never thought I would be in this position right now."
Chapman capped off her UAB career with a stellar senior season as one of just two players to start every game. A 2013-14 first team All-Conference USA selection, she led UAB with 20.6 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game. Chapman also contributed a team-best 58 steals, had 32 blocks and 88 assists on the season.
"I am looking forward to the experience to go overseas and play. Just be a professional athlete, which is something I have been trying to do all my life."
Chapman will leave on Thursday, Oct. 2 and arrive in Israel on Friday, Oct. 3. There she will have a little time to adjust to the professional ranks before the regular season begins in late October.
She will also have to contend with some different rules after learning from another former UAB standout, Amber Jones, who also plays professional in Europe.
"I was talking to Amber Jones the other day and she was telling me about the difference in the traveling call," Chapman recalled. "Some teams, you have to jump-stop completely and put the ball down before you take off. There are definitely some different rules and that is something that is going to be my main focus when I get over there."
"We will play two or three games a week and practice probably four times a week so it will be really quick turnarounds."
Not only looking forward to continuing her career, Chapman also wants to be a positive influence on any student-athletes that also dream of playing professionally one day.
"I hope that I am able to touch people from my area back home as well as people in Alabama and that go to UAB," Chapman stated. "Despite having injuries and things like that, if you just keep going you can achieve your dreams."
