LEIDEN (Netherlands) - The FIBA Europe Cup all-time steals leader Worthy De Jong has announced his retirement from professional basketball at the end of the current season.

The 34-year-old cemented his name across the FIBA Europe Cup record books having played in four different seasons. De Jong is the only player in the competition's history to reach the 100 steal mark, whilst also ranking in the top 10 in points (4th), assists (4th), rebounds (6th) and blocks (6th).

The Dutch international brings to a close a 13-year pro career that began in 2009 having spent the majority of that time with ZZ Leiden. De Jong won multiple domestic titles and individual accolades at the club having made over 500 appearances over the course of two different spells.

"I played professional basketball for 13 years and gave it my all on the basketball court," he said. "Every practice and every game I gave 100 percent to get the best out of it together with my team. I notice that it is getting more and more difficult to bring this up. 

"I am very grateful to the organization, sponsors, volunteers and fans of Zorg en Zekerheid Leiden for all the wonderful years I have been able to play here. I can look back on a fantastic period in my life, in which I was able to turn my passion for basketball into my profession. 

"I will cherish the beautiful moments at ZZ Leiden and in particular the friendships it has brought me."

De Jong averaged 11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in the current FIBA Europe Cup season as Leiden made it all the way to the Semi-Finals for the first time in its history.

He could bow out at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 later this year if selected by the national team before turning to 3x3 basketball.

FIBA