Peter Kiss says thank you, goodbye to Bryant basketball as he plans to turn pro

Bryant basketball star Peter Kiss made his departure from Smithfield official on Sunday, posting on his personal Instagram account his appreciation for playing for the Bulldogs, and for coach Jared Grasso. Kiss, a senior, had the option to return for one more year of eligibility, but will reportedly declare for the NBA Draft instead.

“I am so truly blessed to have had the chance to suit up in a Bryant jersey for the past two years,” he wrote, while thanking teammates, coaches, the dance team, cheer team, band, students and fans for his college experience.

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Peter Kiss, who averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, made his decision to enter the NBA Draft official with a post on his Instagram account.

Peter Kiss, who averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, made his decision to enter the NBA Draft official with a post on his Instagram account.

Kiss, who led Division I in scoring this season, helped the Bulldogs win the Northeast Conference championship and clinch the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance as a Division I program.

“The Bossman, aka Coach Grasso, is an extremely special human being. In my humble opinion, he is the best coach in the country,” Kiss wrote.

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The animated Kiss started his career at Quinnipiac, then transferred to Rutgers and then Bryant, where averaged 25.2 points and 5.8 rebounds this season. He scored 28 points in Bryant’s loss to Wright State in the First Four round of the NCAA tourney. Since that loss, Bryant has announced that it will join the America East Conference next season.

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Writing about Grasso turning Bryant’s fortunes around, Kiss said: “This was not easy and filled with sleepless nights, tough conversations, a ton of film and endless hours on the court. His competitiveness, swagger, passion, and work ethic trickled down to his staff. … y’all have helped me grow so much, and for that I will forever be grateful.”

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Peter Kiss thanks Bryant University basketball as he leaves to turn pro