Portland State University Athletics

MEN'S BASKETBALL, 1997-2000
Derek Nesland, a great all-around student-athlete and the Vikings’ first-ever Academic All-American in men’s basketball, played a significant role during his four years at Portland State. A four-time Academic All-Conference team member, Nesland ranks among the all-time leaders in games played, assists, three-point field goals made, blocked shots and steals. 

Nesland starred as a senior on the Vikings’ 1999-2000 men’s basketball squad, earning Big Sky Conference first team honors after establishing career highs in scoring (13.8 ppg), and three-point field goals (57).
 
During 1996-97, PSU’s first season back on the court after 15-year hiatus, Nesland hit a desperation three-point field goal at the buzzer against Northern Arizona, sending the game into overtime. The Vikings went on to win the game, 72-68, over the defending Big Sky Conference champions. The following season, Nesland hit another landmark three-pointer with three seconds remaining to defeat the University of Oregon at McArthur Court – the first time the Vikings had ever defeated the Ducks or a Pac-8/10/12 team.