The Charger Blog

Former Chargers Basketball Standout Takes Talents Around the World

For Eric Anderson Ӱԭ15, his career as a professional basketball player has been a slam dunk, bringing him to half a dozen countries, including, most recently, to Portugal. He is grateful for his time as a Charger when he honed his skills on the basketball court, got out of his comfort zone, and met his fiancée.

April 8, 2021

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Eric Anderson in the paint.
Eric Anderson Ӱԭ15 played forward and center for the Chargers menӰԭs basketball team.

Eric Anderson Ӱԭ15 has many fond memories of playing basketball during his four years as a member of the . The former forward and center is now playing before an even larger audience as a professional basketball player.

A three-time Northeast-10 Defensive Player of the Year and two-time selection to the All-NE10 First Team, AndersonӰԭs professional career has brought him around the world since he graduated with his degree in sport management from the University.

ӰԭPlaying for taught me so much,Ӱԭ said Anderson. ӰԭMy time as a Charger helped me develop my game and taught me even more life lessons off the court. Meeting new people, expanding my relationships, and attending a variety of University events helped me get out my comfort zone.Ӱԭ

ӰԭTake every opportunityӰԭ

Now playing professionally for in Portugal, Anderson was named MVP of the playoffs earlier this year. He has also played professionally in countries such as Argentina, Japan, and Israel.

Eric Anderson.
Eric Anderson Ӱԭ15 helped lead the Chargers to two NCAA Tournament berths.

ӰԭThe most rewarding part of playing professionally is being able to travel the world and learn about different lifestyles,Ӱԭ he said. ӰԭIӰԭve met so many different people from all over the world, building everlasting relationships. IӰԭve now lived in six different countries since graduating and the University of New Haven helped me adjust and adapt to a lot of different situations.Ӱԭ

A Newark, New Jersey native, Anderson played for Newark Tech High School, and was named an All-Conference, All-County, and All-State selection when he was a senior. As a senior at the University, he averaged an NCAA Division II best 13.1 rebounds per game and recorded the first triple-double in Chargers men's basketball history with 26 points, 28 rebounds, and 10 assists against Saint Anselm. He helped lead the Chargers to two NCAA Tournament berths, and he finished his career among the programӰԭs leaders in blocks, rebounding, and scoring.

Anderson is grateful for the many meaningful opportunities he had as a Charger Ӱԭ on and off the court. As a student, he met his best friend, as well as his fiancée, Alyssa Zargos Ӱԭ14, a former member of the . They plan to marry this summer. He encourages current students to make the most of their time at the University.

Eric Anderson and Alyssa Zargos together
Eric Anderson Ӱԭ15 and Alyssa Zargos Ӱԭ14 plan to marry this summer.

ӰԭTake every opportunity, explore, and meet as many people as you can,Ӱԭ he said. ӰԭEnjoy every moment now and maximize every opportunity you get at the University because theyӰԭre the most critical years of your life, and also some of the most fun times.Ӱԭ