Stark will play in Japan next season
MBB: The 2018 OVC Player of the Year played in Greece last season
Jonathan Stark will take the next step in his professional career next season when he plays in Japan for the first time.
The Murray State Hall of Famer will play for the Ehime Orange Vikings in Matsuyama, Japan. Ehime is part of Japan’s Professional Basketball League.
“I am extremely excited about joining the Ehime Orange Vikings next season,” Stark said in a statement on Ehime’s website. “I've heard a lot of great things not only about the club and the city, but great things about Japan as a whole. I look forward to meeting the team and fans of the Vikings. One thing for sure is I promise to work hard and try to keep improving each and every day. Can't wait to see what the season holds. Go Vikes!”
After transferring from Tulane, Stark played two seasons at Murray State from 2016-18. He scored 1,408 career points with the Racers, which is the most of any two-year player in Murray State history. On his way to earning 2018 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors, Stark led the Racers to the 2018 OVC regular season and tournament titles and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Stark started last season in Israel playing with Hapoel Haifa, but left in October after the conflict started between Hamas and Israel. He moved on to Greece and finished the season playing with Aris Thessaloniki.
Murray State inducted Stark into their Athletics Hall of Fame in the summer of 2023.