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Former Michigan State big man Szymon Zapala signs first professional contract

ByConnor Muldowney|
Michigan State center Szymon Zapala (10) reacts to a personal foul called on forward Jaxon Kohler (0) against Auburn during the first half of the Elite Eight round of NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Michigan State center Szymon Zapala (10) reacts to a personal foul called on forward Jaxon Kohler (0) against Auburn during the first half of the Elite Eight round of NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, March 30, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After spending the past five seasons playing college ball in the United States, finishing with Michigan State, Szymon Zapala is headed back home to Poland, signing his first professional contract.

According to reports all over Twitter, Zapala has had a busy offseason thus far, but he signed his first pro contract earlier on Monday, according to his new team, Trefl Sopot.

The team announced that Zapala had signed a one-year contract after spending the last five years in America, and it's a familiar place for the big man to be. In fact, he spent time playing for the youth program of Trefl Sopot before playing college hoops. Now, he'll get a chance to prove himself at the professional level in the Polish Basketball League -- it also competes in EuroCup.

Zapala is just the latest Spartan to sign a professional contract this offseason. Frankie Fidler signed with the Bucks' Summer League team, Jase Richardson was drafted and signed by the Magic, and Jaden Akins spent time on Orlando's Summer League squad.

Heck, even Mady Sissoko and AJ Hoggard got NBA Summer League chances.

Not only did Zapala sign his first professional contract this offseason, but he recently made the Polish men's national team, which cut its final roster down to 16 players.

Zapala's first mission with Team Poland will be partaking in EuroBasket 2025, which will be held from late-August until mid-September. It's an annual tournament of 24 different teams split into four regions, and a champion will be crowned this September, and Zapala is hoping he can help guide Poland to the title along with NBA player Jeremy Sochan.

Michigan State fans will remember Zapala for his hard-nosed play in just over 14 minutes per game for a Big Ten champion. He started all season at center and averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds.

Now he'll head overseas to make a name for himself.

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