Former Huskie Noah McCarty headed overseas to play basketball in Spain

Senior forward Noah McCarty waits for play to resume March 6, during NIUs loss to Ball State University at the Convocation Center.

Jarrett Huff | Northern Star

Senior forward Noah McCarty waits for play to resume March 6, during NIU’s loss to Ball State University at the Convocation Center.

By James Krause

DeKALB — Former NIU men’s basketball player Noah McCarty will continue his career in Spain, signing a contract with Club Baloncesto Benicarló of the LEB Plata.

McCarty’s signing was announced Tuesday by NIU Athletics, with McCarty commenting on his excitement for an opportunity overseas.

“It is definitely exciting,” said McCarty in an NIU Athletics news release Tuesday. “This is a new chapter and I am looking forward to starting fresh and having new experiences.”

McCarty ended his career at NIU this past season with 124 appearances for the Huskies, tying him with fourth most in school history. After three years as a consistent role player, McCarty started 26 games in his senior year before the COVID-19 pandemic cut the college basketball season short.

McCarty averaged 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, both career-high marks. 

McCarty’s most memorable game for the Huskies came in his junior season against 14th ranked Buffalo when he converted a game-winning layup to clinch a 77-75 upset win that had fans at the Convocation Center storming the court.

Club Baloncesto Benicarló will be entering their second season as part of the LEB Plata, the third tier of basketball in Spain. The team went 6-16 in their first season, finishing last in Group East.