HAMA, Syria – Former Idaho State men's basketball captain AJ Burgin has signed his first professional contract, joining Al Nawair Club in Hama, Syria to begin his playing career overseas. Burgin competed for the Bengals from 2021-2025 and appeared in 124 games, tying him for the second most games played in Idaho State program history.
Across his four seasons in Pocatello, Burgin totaled 521 career points while shooting 33.6 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three. He added 238 rebounds, 93 assists, 50 steals, and averaged 13.8 minutes per game. His senior season in 2024–25 was his strongest statistically, averaging 6.4 points per game and hitting a career-best 49 threes while shooting 34.3 percent from deep. Burgin finished his career with 110 made three pointers, cementing himself as one of Idaho State's most dependable perimeter contributors.
For Burgin, the opportunity to play professionally fulfills a lifelong goal.
"Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine, so being able to say that I'm here, I made it is a surreal feeling," Burgin said. "But I love it."
He added that the cultural experience in Syria has been a meaningful part of his first week abroad.
"Apart from basketball though, Syria is a country I would've never imagined traveling to, but I'm happy I am," he said. "The people here are so nice and generous and being able to experience a new culture has been some of the most fun I've ever had."
Al Nawair is a Syrian basketball club based in Hama that competes in the top-tier Syrian Basketball League (SBL), one of the premier professional leagues in the region.
Idaho State Men's Basketball & Athletics congratulates Burgin on reaching the professional ranks and looks forward to following his career overseas.
