MSB: DeMariontay Hall Begins Professional Career in Portugal, Giving Coppin State Another International Success Story
Coppin State men’s basketball graduate DeMariontay Hall is taking the next step in his basketball journey after signing his first professional contract with Sampaense Basket of Portugal’s ProLiga for the 2026-27 season. The move gives Hall an opportunity to launch his professional career in one of Europe’s respected developmental basketball leagues while adding another international success story to Larry Stewart’s growing Coppin State program.
Hall spent one season with the Eagles after transferring from Franklin Pierce University, but his impact was immediate. Despite Coppin State finishing 7-24 overall and 5-9 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Hall emerged as one of the team’s most reliable players on both ends of the floor.
The 6-foot-7 forward led the Eagles with:
- 10.6 points per game
- 5.4 rebounds per game
- 52.4 percent shooting from the field
- 16 blocked shots
During MEAC play, Hall elevated his game even further, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting an impressive 57.8 percent from the floor. His defensive presence earned him MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice, highlighting his ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands.
Hall’s path to Division I basketball was anything but conventional.
The Atlanta native began his collegiate career at Gulf Coast State College, one of the nation’s top junior college programs. He then transferred to Franklin Pierce University, where he averaged 12.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game at the Division II level before earning the opportunity to finish his college career at Coppin State. His steady improvement at each stop showcased the work ethic that ultimately earned him a professional contract overseas.
Before signing in Portugal, Hall also gained valuable international experience by competing in the 2026 United Pro Invitational in Atlanta. Playing for the GIE Cibao Immortals, he helped lead the team to an undefeated record and a tournament championship, giving professional scouts another opportunity to evaluate his game.
What is Portugal’s ProLiga?
Portugal’s ProLiga serves as the country’s second-highest professional basketball division, sitting just below the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol (LPB). While technically the second tier, the league has developed a reputation as an excellent launching point for American rookies beginning their professional careers.
Many players use the ProLiga to:
- Gain their first overseas experience.
- Adjust to FIBA rules and international competition.
- Build professional résumés for opportunities in higher European leagues.
- Develop into players capable of reaching Portugal’s top division or larger leagues throughout Spain, France, Germany and Italy.
The league features a blend of Portuguese veterans, developing local talent and American imports who are often expected to become offensive leaders and impact players immediately. For Hall, it is an ideal environment to continue expanding his game against experienced professionals.
A Look at Sampaense Basket
Hall will join Sampaense Basket, a club based in São Paio de Gramaços in central Portugal.
Sampaense has built a reputation for giving opportunities to American players while competing for promotion within Portuguese basketball. The organization emphasizes player development and has regularly relied on versatile forwards capable of scoring inside, defending multiple positions and rebounding—traits that fit Hall’s skill set well.
Hall’s combination of athleticism, efficient finishing around the basket and defensive versatility should allow him to compete for significant minutes immediately during his rookie campaign.
What Hall Meant to Coppin State
Statistics tell only part of Hall’s story.
During a rebuilding season under head coach Larry Stewart, Hall became one of the Eagles’ most consistent performers. Whether it was protecting the rim, finishing in transition or providing physical interior play against larger opponents, Hall often gave Coppin State its best chance to compete.
His efficient shooting percentage reflected smart shot selection rather than high-volume scoring, and his defensive energy frequently sparked the Eagles during conference play.
Replacing that production will not be easy.
Although Coppin State returns several experienced players for 2026-27, Hall leaves behind a leadership void as well as the team’s top scorer and rebounder. Developing another frontcourt player capable of producing on both ends of the floor will be one of the biggest challenges facing Stewart entering the new season.
MSB Take
Not every professional basketball story begins with the NBA.
For many college standouts, especially those from mid-major and HBCU programs, Europe provides the first opportunity to build a professional career. Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination because it offers competitive basketball, strong coaching and a pathway to bigger leagues across Europe.
Hall earned this opportunity through steady improvement at every stop of his collegiate career. He developed from a junior college player into a Division II contributor before becoming Coppin State’s leading scorer and rebounder in the MEAC.
His signing is also another positive reflection on Coppin State basketball. Every Eagle who reaches the professional ranks helps strengthen the program’s reputation with future recruits, showing that Baltimore remains a place where talented players can develop and continue playing the game after college.
Hall now begins the next chapter of his career overseas, and if his progression continues the way it has throughout college, Portugal may simply be the first stop in what could become a lengthy professional basketball journey.
