Former Northern Kentucky standout LJ Wells is taking the next step in his basketball career, signing his first professional contract with the Leuven Bears, a club that competes in the BNXT League, the highest level of basketball in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Based in Leuven, Belgium, the Bears have been in the country’s top division since 1999. The club captured the Belgian Cup in 2005 and has participated in European competition, appearing in the 2005-06 FIBA EuroCup. Recently, Leuven has emerged as one of Belgium’s top programs, finishing as runners-up in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
Wells’ Career at NKU
Wells will arrive in Belgium following a very successful four-year career at Northern Kentucky University. The forward developed into one of the program’s most productive players as of late and ended his college career with a standout senior season.
As a senior, Wells started all 33 games and averaged 15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30.3 minutes per game. He shot an efficient 55.4% from the field, 28.3% from three, and 67.5% from the free-throw line.
Wells finished the season ranked second in the Horizon League and 51st nationally in field-goal percentage at 55.4%. He also ranked among the conference leaders in total rebounds, rebounds per game, offensive rebounds, and defensive rebounds.
His legacy at NKU extends beyond a single season. Upon graduation, Wells ranked among the program’s Division I era leaders in nearly every major statistical category. He finished tenth in career points (1,055), fourth in rebounds (639), 12th in assists (152), seventh in steals (114), seventh in blocks (51), and eighth in minutes played (2,754).
Images courtesy of NKU Athletics
Now, after four seasons in Highland Heights, Wells will begin his professional journey overseas with a Leuven program looking to build on consecutive runner-up finishes and compete for a BNXT League championship!
You can follow the Leuven Bears Club below for current news!
https://www.leuvenbears.be/nieuws
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