Banks County 2020 grad Carl Cleveland, easily considered the best player in Leopards history, recently wrapped up his college career at Young Harris. After 2,445 points at Banks and 2,344 at Young Harris (both program records), he’s now ready to score points professionally.

Cleveland announced this week his new deal with the Leuven Bears of the BNXT League in Belgium. The Bears are back-to-back league Runner-Up ahead of adding Cleveland’s skill to the lineup.

“The process to becoming a pro has really just been awesome,” says Cleveland. “When I sit down and think back to being a kid wanting to just play in college, to now being about to make a career out of playing basketball, it really is just an awesome thing to think about. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family though. They have made this dream come true more than anyone else.”

Cleveland had plenty of suitors to, but of his options, he was drawn to the Bears.

“I was blessed with a team like Leuven to want me to be a part of their team and represent them. They want me to come in and be a key guy and a leader. Everyone in their organization has been nothing short of professional and friendly. They have made it feel just like Banks County and Young Harris in the community aspect. After they posted my signing, I had a number of fans reach out saying they can’t wait to meet me and watch me play so it’s going to be a situation I love.”

Carl Cleveland is used to playing at a high level and winning games, but one thing that will be new is making a move from North Georgia to Belgium.

“My organization will provide me with my own apartment when I arrive over there. I am nervous but also excited. I’m nervous leaving my family as they have had such a vital role in my success around basketball. I will fly out to Belgium on August 12 and begin with the team August 15.”

His family and friends will cheer from a distance, and he’ll have the eyes of North Georgia on him as he embarks on a professional career.

Cleveland is a BLITZ Hall of Famer who posted 2,445 points, 1,049 rebounds, 390 assists, 116 steals, and 82 blocks along with 57 double-doubles and five triple-doubles. He led the Leopards to an Elite 8, two Sweet 16s, and three region titles. He was a 2-time All-State player, 2-time BLITZ Player of the Year, and two-time Region POY.

He leaves Young Harris as the all-time leading scorer with 2,344 points, all-time rebounding leader, 5th all-time in assists, 3rd in 3-pointers, 1st in total field goals, 1st in free throws, 1st in field goal percentage, 1st games played, 10th in steals, and holds several single-season and single-game records. This season, he had two 40-point games (career-high) and scored 30-plus 12 times.