Naheem McLeod is taking his next step in basketball - and it’s a big one, both literally and figuratively. The 7-foot-4 center and former Syracuse Orange big man has signed a professional deal with KB Rahoveci, a club based in Rahoveci, Kosovo. The move was confirmed by Gimpire Sports Agency, which represents McLeod.
For McLeod, this marks the beginning of his pro journey overseas after a college career that saw flashes of promise, tempered by injury setbacks and shifting roles. He began his collegiate stint at Florida State before transferring to Syracuse following the 2022-23 season, hoping to carve out a bigger role in the ACC.
In his first season with the Orange, McLeod earned 14 starts during the 2023-24 campaign. His size was always an asset, particularly on the defensive end, where he altered shots and clogged the paint.
But just as he was starting to settle into the lineup, an injury cut his season short. He finished the year averaging 3.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game - modest numbers, but ones that showed his ability to contribute when healthy.
The following season, McLeod returned to the court, but his role had shifted. No longer a starter, he came off the bench in 18 appearances, averaging 2.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. It was a quieter season statistically, but the experience added another layer to his development - learning to impact the game in limited minutes, adapting to new roles, and staying ready.
Now, McLeod heads to Kosovo’s Superleague, where Rahoveci is making its return to competition after disbanding following the 2023 season. For a club looking to reestablish itself, adding a player with McLeod’s size and Division I experience could be a foundational move. And for McLeod, it’s a chance to reset, grow, and prove himself on the professional stage.
It’s not uncommon for players with McLeod’s profile - raw size, defensive upside, and untapped potential - to find their rhythm overseas. The European game can be a proving ground for big men who need consistent minutes and a system that lets them develop without the pressure cooker of the NCAA or NBA.
What’s next for McLeod is uncertain, but what’s clear is that he’s still in the fight - still chasing the game, still betting on himself. And sometimes, that’s how the best stories begin.