The Den Helder Suns, a professional team out of the Netherlands, signed Carter Gilmore to an international deal last week. Gilmore will begin his professional career in September as he makes his transition overseas. The Den Helder Suns are excited to bring Gilmore over, and head coach Paul Vervaeck had nothing but praise for his new addition.
Next stop, the Netherlands!
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) June 30, 2025
Congrats to @CarterGilmore03 on signing a deal with the Den Helder Suns! pic.twitter.com/OS60OLmPzy
Den Helder Suns expect leadership and toughness from former Badger forward
When the Suns announced the signing of Gilmore, Vervaeck was effusive with his praise for the addition of the former Wisconsin forward. He talked about his fit with the team, his role that he will play, and even how they expect him to be a leader on the team, even though he is a newcomer.
The full quote is below (though it was originally spoken in Dutch so the translation may read a tad clunky).
""With Carter, we've acquired a fundamental power forward who is very complete. A true team player who pays attention to his teammates, who also holds his own physically and rebounds at both ends of the court. He comes from a college team where at least three guys will go on to the NBA. Carter took on his role there, which will be expanded with us. I also expect leadership from him on and off the court. Inquiries confirmed our impression of him in that regard as well." "Paul Vervaeck
The praise for Wisconsin and the prospect of Carter performing at a high level are exciting for the Dutch team. Gilmore was a star at times for the Badgers, and as Vervaeck noticed in the scouting and inquiries, he had a role to play. He didn't need to be the one who carried the team, but he was capable of it. There were multiple games last season where Gilmore was the reason the Badgers pulled off the win.
The Den Helder Suns got a good one, and Wisconsin fans will be paying attention from across the pond.