Sebastien Bellin, a European professional basketball player who played collegiately in the United States, was injured in the deadly terrorist attacks Tuesday in Brussels, according to his former team in Belgium.
Multiple explosions rocked the city's Zaventem international airport and subway system Tuesday morning. At least 34 people have been reported dead.
Belgian professional team BC Oostende announced on its Twitter account that Bellin, 37, was thrown about 20 meters in the explosion at the airport.
Bellin already has undergone surgery but still has shrapnel in his leg and hip, according to BC Oostende. The team also posted a photo of the injured 6-foot-9 Bellin, saying that it wished him a speedy recovery.
We wensen onze ex-speler Sebastien Bellin alvast veel sterkte en een spoedig herstel toe! #PrayForBelgium pic.twitter.com/mR19edbqlT
— BC Telenet Oostende (@BCOOSTENDE) March 22, 2016
Bellin played two seasons at Marist from 1996 to 1998 before transferring to Oakland, where he appeared in 30 games during the 1999-2000 season, averaging 8.1 points per game.
Oakland coach Greg Kampe, who has been with the Golden Grizzlies since 1984, also took to Twitter in support of Bellin, saying that the Brazilian center is headed for a second surgery.
He later addressed what happened in a statement.
"The Oakland basketball family was very sad to hear about the attack in Belgium and one of our own was in the midst of it," Kampe said. "We send our prayers to Seb and his family. Seb has remained very close to our program through the years, he's in constant contact with our players and staff here at Oakland University, and has been one of the biggest supporters and cheerleaders for the Oakland basketball program. One in which he led us to a championship while he was here. Saying that, all I can add is that I hope everybody who knows or has ever met Seb can give their prayers or do whatever they need to do for him. He is a tremendous competitor and he will fight through this."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.