Dan Trist returning to Spain, signs with Ourense

Following an outstanding season in the Danish Ligaen with Horsens IC and starring for Norths Bears in the Waratah League, forward Dan Trist is returning to the Spanish second division after signing a 1 year deal with Club Ourense Balconcesto.

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Trist last played in the LEB Gold in his first season as a professional with Oviedo Balconcesto in which he averaged over 11 points and 5 rebounds per game in a season where his side just fell short of the title behind fellow Aussie Mitch McCarron's Palencia Baloncesto.

In speaking with The Pick and Roll last year, Trist explained that the Spanish second division is a great launching pad for bigger and better things.

“The Spanish second division is a pretty great place to start, just in terms of opportunity,” shared Trist. “You get a good chance to play meaningful minutes against good competition.

“There are a lot of guys from different leagues around Europe playing here; guys who have played in other places and also the ACB, the Spanish first division. It’s a really good place to learn from people and to get an idea of what professional life in Europe is like.”

Last season Trist poured in 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game for Horsens IC as they went close to securing the Ligaen title, losing the grand final series 1-4 to champions Bakken. He played a pivotal role in enabling his side to finish the regular season on top, while also reaching the league and Cup finals, delivering big in the playoffs and finals series.

The 25-year old backed up with a brilliant season in the Waratah League, helping lead Norths Bears to the 2017 championship. He would average an impressive 23.5 points and 12.6 rebounds across 11 games after joining the team following the conclusion of the European season.

Trist was a standout at Lafayette, earning The Pick and Roll's Australian Player of the Year award after his senior season in which he guided the Leopards to the Patriot League title, earning All-Conference First Team selection and being named to the All-Tournament team. In his one and only NCAA Tournament game, Trist would not disappoint, delivering an impressive 18 points and 9 rebounds in an admirable loss against number one seeded Villanova. He would go on to play in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament before signing with Oviedo.

In 2015, Trist also represented Australia at the World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea. He was able to provide 8.3 points and 3.5 rebounds across 8 games as the Emerging Boomers finished in tenth place.

A solid rebounder, Trist is a highly skilled and effective player in the low block, with an ability to score efficiently with his array of post moves and with a more than handy jump shot. With a solid IQ and already a great team player, Trist will provide much-need interior scoring fire power for Orense who will be looking to improve on their good 17-9 record last season.