JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Former Carson-Newman men’s basketball standout Zach Hyatte is playing professionally for ABA Strumica in the Macedonian Second Basketball League.

Hyatte, who spent the last two seasons with the Eagles and averaged 6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds for his career, has already participated in several exhibitions with the team and has played a key role at forward.

The Dayton, Tenn., native said his time in Mossy Creek helped prepare him to get to where he is today.

“Playing basketball at Carson-Newman was a great time in my life,” he said. “I was taught more than how to play basketball. I was taught a lot about life. I thank (C-N head coach) Dale Clayton and (assistant coach) Chuck Benson for keeping me on track.”

Hyatte, who is one of two Americans on the team, is also doing mission work with children at ABA Youth Sports, where he coaches and trains Macedonian youth in basketball.

ABA Strumica’s season lasts from October through May.