Khalid Gates: From Cecil College to Croatia
Published on March 3, 2025
NORTH EAST, Md: Cecil College alumnus Khalid Gates lives a reality of which young men can only dream. He recently finished his first season playing professional basketball with KK Marsonia, a team in the Croatian Prva Liga (Premiere League), where he experienced the unique and often challenging aspects of basketball in Europe.
“It was great playing in Croatia,” he said, reflecting on his time with KK Marsonia. “The European basketball game is quite a different style than here in the U.S.” The significant distinction he noticed was the level of physicality. In Europe, the rules allow for much more contact, which, in turn, creates a tougher and more demanding style of play.
As a 6’7” forward from Washington, DC, Gates was up to the challenge and embraced the journey that led him to competing against teams throughout Europe.
The physicality was a challenge, and the game’s tempo was faster. “Their style is much faster, getting up and down the court,” said Gates. He went on to talk about how this up-tempo, high-energy game contrasts sharply with the more structured nature of American basketball, where plays are often set up meticulously.
In Europe, the approach is more about running the ball and exploiting fast breaks. “The European style is not to set up plays, but more ‘run and gun’,” Gates explained. “While some teams did set up plays, the overall focus was on rapid transitions, creating an exciting and dynamic atmosphere on the court.”
Gates returned to Cecil College recently for the annual alumni basketball game. “Coming back to Cecil College and getting off the highway, I have been flooded with memories of how everyone here has been important in helping me get to where I am today,” said Gates, who added that returning to familiar places and people who shaped him as a player and a person is an incredible experience. He expressed gratitude for the coaching staff, former players and his host family the Murrows, who shaped him along the way and whose support during his time at Cecil College helped to mold him into the player he is today.
“I am so happy for Khalid, to see his development from the time he started here at Cecil as a 17-year-old to where he is now. It is a true testament to the work and dedication he has put in to become the player he is. Not only has he grown as a player, but as a person as well. For all of his success he is a humble person. I am extremely proud of him,” said Cecil College head men’s basketball coach Ed Durham.
Off the court in Croatia, Gates had to adjust to a very different lifestyle. Croatia, with its quieter, more rural, and laid-back atmosphere, was a world apart from the bustling energy of Washington, DC. “It’s definitely a different world,” Gates said. “It’s a quieter lifestyle and starkly contrasted to what I am accustomed to back here (in the United States).”
The language barrier was one of the more challenging aspects of living in Croatia. While Gates tried to learn some Croatian, it proved difficult to pick up the language, making day-to-day communication a challenge. “I tried to speak some Croatian, but it was hard, and I didn’t really pick up the language,” he admitted. Despite this, the experience of living in a foreign country was eye-opening and enriched his global perspective.
Another aspect of playing in Croatia was the extensive travel. The team was constantly on the move, with each game requiring a five- or six-hour drive. Despite the long hours on the road, Croatia’s central location within Europe allowed Gates to visit many different countries.
During this time, Gates earned recognition for his outstanding play. He was named Player of the Week while also leading the league in scoring, a remarkable achievement highlighting his growing talent. The season was not just about playing basketball but also about showcasing his skills on a bigger stage, which will undoubtedly play a key role in his future career.
Prior to his time in Croatia, Gates had the opportunity to tour China, playing for an American travel team that competed against top-tier Chinese teams. His time there was primarily for exposure, allowing him to demonstrate his abilities to regional scouts and coaches. “I was there for two or three months, so it was almost like a recruiting thing,” Gates said. The experience of playing in China further helped him hone his skills and build his reputation as a player.
With new management and highlight reels showcasing his Croatian performance, Gates is now looking forward to the next step in his career. “I have options now; I’m just waiting to see which ones will benefit me the most,” he said. His future is full of possibilities, and he’s eager to see where it takes him.
Gates remains focused on what comes next. Despite all he’s accomplished, he still wants to “get away” and continue his journey. With the support of former teammates, coaches, and mentors at Cecil College, Gates is ready for whatever comes next in his basketball career. Gates finished his career at Cecil College with 671 career points, 452 coming from the 2021-2022 season.
As Gates awaits his next assignment, one thing is clear: His time in Croatia, along with his international experiences, has not only made him a better basketball player but has also shaped him into a more well-rounded individual, ready to tackle whatever challenges the future holds.