Erik Nissen Continues His Playing Career in Japan

2021-03-03

Erik Nissen, front row third from right, played on numerous BNB Provincial Teams, including the 2011 17U Men\'s team as an

While many regions around the globe are at a standstill, Erik Nissen, from Quispamsis, NB, has been fortunate to find somewhere to keep honing his craft on the court. We caught up with the 6'9" former BNB athlete to hear about his experience playing for the Iwate Big Bulls in Japan.

Q&A with Erik Nissen...

What years did you graduate from high school and university?
I graduated from Kennebecasis Valley High School in 2013. I then attended and played at the University of Maine from 2013-2015, and transferred to Acadia University from 2015-2018.

I currently play for the Iwate Big Bulls in Japan.

What is the best part about playing professional basketball in another country?

The best part of playing in a different country is experiencing two totally different cultures and adjusting and living like a local in these two different worlds. (Spain and Japan) I also love eating local food and exploring that side of different cultures, so I’ve been taking full advantage of that every opportunity I get!

Can you share something cool about Japan, your teammates or the club you're playing for?

My best experience in Japan so far was the 2 months I got to play up in B1 this year (top level in Japan), on a loan contract deal. Playing and practicing against players of that league (ex NBA and national team level players) helped me grow as a player exponentially. The level of coaching in that league was incredible as well!

What do you miss most about home?

The thing I miss the most about home is my family and girlfriend. Being on the other side of the world with a 12 hour time difference and not being able to see them for 9 months of the year is hard! Especially this year with Covid restrictions making travel impossible as well.

Who has been a positive influence on helping you get to where you are today?

The reason I developed into the player I am today is in large part thanks to Paul Vaughan. The countless extra hours we spent in the KVHS gym, either mornings before school started or staying late after practice, allowed me to change from a clumsy big man to really refining my skills and being able to play at the next level. Without his guidance and care I definitely don’t think I would have the incredible opportunities of playing for Team Canada or ever playing professionally.

Photo: Iwate Big Bulls