• Photo Courtesy: MSU Athletic Communications

EAST LANSING - Former Michigan State women’s basketball center Jasmines Hines gets a second chance at playing professional basketball with a contract to play in Switzerland for Pallacanestro Bellinzona.

“This is something that I dreamed about doing since I was a kid, so to be presented with the opportunity is amazing,” said Hines. “I am very excited because this has been kind of a crazy process trying to figure out what is the best fit for me, it is kind of like recruiting in college.”

Hines came back for her fifth season with the Spartans after missing most of the 2014-15 season due to concussion-like symptoms. Her final season in the Green and White proved to be her best starting in 33 games. She had her standout game on Senior Day with a career-high 36 points, as MSU topped No. 5 Ohio State in triple overtime, 107-105.

Through five seasons with the Spartans she scored 985 points and grabbed 601 rebounds. She added 131 career games played to her resume, ranking as the eighth-most in school history. The Central Lake, MI., native, was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and was also named honorable mention All-Big Ten as a junior by both the coaches and media.

The Spartan signed a free agent contract with the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks back in April of this year. “Very humbled by my time in LA. I was able to turn some of my biggest dreams into reality and get an experience of a lifetime,” said Hines. “I learned a lot, I’m so grateful for the position I’m in, and I know I have a lot of great things ahead. I’m excited for for the next step in my journey. Thanks to the Sparks organization for the opportunity!! Every ending is a new beginning.”

Hines has continued to play basketball joining the first ever women's league of the Moneyball Pro-Am. This summer Hines has been honing her skills on the Lady Navy team who a 3-0 record.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the world. I have traveled abroad but it has been with our team for basketball in Puerto Rico, Cancun or the Bahamas. I have never been anywhere in Europe, I am excited to see the world a little bit more and experience the culture,” said Hines.

The former Spartan captain is scheduled to arrive in Switzerland by August 22nd. You can follow Hines and the Pallacanestro Bellinzona basketball team at www.bellinzonabasket.ch.