BOZEMAN, Mont. — Change isn’t new to Brian Goracke as the former Montana State University forward signed a pro contract with Korihait out of Korisliiga, the top basketball league in Finland.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity to experience something new,” Goracke said. “Obviously, you don’t know what you don’t know until you get there, I’m sure there will be somethings that I get there and I’m like, ‘Oh wow, this is way different,’ but I’m ok with that.”

Goracke came to Bozeman after 3 years at Division II Point Loma Nazarene, and helping lead MSU to a third-straight Big Sky Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance as a Big Sky All-Tournament Team selection.

“It’s got to be winning the Big Sky Championship against the (Montana) Griz,” Goracke said on his favorite moment as a Bobcat.

In two seasons at Montana State, Goracke started in 34 games, averaging 9.8 points on 35.8% 3-point shooting and 86.2% free throw shooting, and 3.4 rebounds in 23.6 minutes per game. The scheme of Korihait was what drew his attention when they looked to sign him back on July 7.

“It was about in the ballpark of what we were looking for as far as level, and fit play style, so it kind of seemed like a no-brainer for the first place to be,” Goracke said.

But for the Monroe, Oregon, native, the biggest change isn’t the destination of where he’s playing, but the coaching staff.

Goracke followed MSU head men’s basketball coach Matt Logie from Point Loma to Montana State, making this the first time since his 2019-20 senior season in high school, where Logie will not coaching Goracke on the floor.

“He was my first coach to give a college offer, and so he saw me, saw potential, and believed in it,” Goracke said. “I’m super appreciative of that, he’s been a great coach, he’s been a great mentor, he’s brought a lot of great people into my life, and I thank him for that.”

But Goracke believes his time playing in the Big Sky Conference for the Bobcats has prepared him and his teammates for success at the pro level. MSU teammate Tyler Patterson will be in the next country over as he continues his career with Nässjö in Sweden.

“Montana State does a great job of developing basketball players and young men,” Goracke said on the player development and culture in the program. “Super supportive community that allows us to focus on getting better each and every day, and I think that’s super helpful.”

Goracke is thankful for the time he spent at Montana State as it allowed him to play and continue his dream with a community and program that loved him back.

“You know, I started my career at Division II and took a leap of faith, and was accepted with open arms, and I got to know and love Bozeman and the community, and the whole Bobcat athletic program,” Goracke said. “Really just have a lot of gratitude for the whole community.”

Brian Goracke says that he will report for training with Korihait in Finland on Sept. 1.