BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford University basketball program, under the direction of Head Coach Scott Padgett, has started a new in-depth "Where Are They Now?" series, which will highlight a number of its former student-athletes. The Bulldogs boast many successful players in their long, rich history and Samford would like its fans to be able to recognize their accomplishments.
 
The first installment of Samford's "Where Are They Now?" series features former Bulldog great Travis Peterson.
 
"We are very proud of the great players we have had throughout the history of our program," said Padgett. "Travis is an example of what hard work and determination can do. He is a great role model for our current and future players who aspire to reach the highest levels of basketball."
 
Peterson, who finished his collegiate career as a 6-foot-10, 240-pound center, arrived at Samford University as a true freshman in 2003 and redshirted during the 2003-04 campaign.
 
After breaking into the Bulldogs' starting lineup as a sophomore in 2005-06, Peterson quickly became one of the top players in the Ohio Valley Conference and earned 2006 OVC All-Tournament honors after scoring in double figures in all three games of the conference tournament as Samford reached the championship final.
 
During his junior season, Peterson received Samford's 2007 Rebound Award for leading the team with 159 rebounds at an average of 5.0 per game. He was also named to the Preseason All-OVC team and started in all 32 games for the Bulldogs.
 
Peterson ended the 2007-08 campaign as one of only eight players in the nation to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists per game. The Bulldogs' senior averaged 13.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists throughout the season.
 
Peterson, a native of Glendale, Arizona, concluded his final season as the only center in the nation to lead his team in all three major offensive categories. He was also the only player in the country taller than 6-foot-6 to accomplish the feat.
 
A force on the defensive half of the court as well, Peterson also paced the Bulldogs with 41 blocks.
 
Peterson finished his illustrious four-year Samford career with 1,121 points, which is currently the 19th-highest total in school history. He was a staple in the Bulldogs' starting lineup since the 2005 season and became the 21st player in school history to reach the prestigious 1,000-point plateau.
 
Peterson earned Second-Team All-OVC honors as a senior and was named the team's Most Outstanding Offensive player. As a two-time All-OVC preseason selection, he compiled over 400 career rebounds and started in 88 of the team's last 93 games.
 
"Samford definitely helped me get ready for the next level," said Peterson. "The competition is primarily considered to be 'mid-major', but you are quick to learn that you can play with anyone in the country. I have a lot of my basketball knowledge owed to Jimmy Tillette, Paul Kelly, Lee Burgess and Derrick Jones. They really formed the player that I am today.
 
"It is never easy going to a Division I school to play sports, but I feel like they pushed my mind and body to get the most out of it. Without them and the experience at Samford, I am not sure if I would be playing the game I love today, especially at some of the highest levels in the world. It is great to be part of the Samford Family!"
 
After graduating from Samford in 2008, Peterson was immediately offered a chance to play professionally for BK Rilski in Samokov, Bulgaria. He competed there for a pair of seasons before spending the following years playing for Lukoil in Sofia, Bulgaria, BK Prostejov in Czech Republic and then Goverla in Ukraine.
 
In 2012, Peterson was invited to participate in NBA Summer League with the Detroit Pistons. Two years ago, he played for a season with Obradoiro in Santiago, Spain, before moving up to Avtodor, where he is currently based in Saratov, Russia. His squad competes in the Eurocup and VTB Leagues. This year will be his second with the team.
 
Throughout his professional career, Peterson won the Balkan League with Rilski and was named the Most Valuable Player of the league twice. He also won the Bulgarian Cup with Lukoil and earned First-Team All-Bulgarian honors.
 
Peterson's team recently garnered the silver medal in Prostejov and he was named to the All-Import Team for Eurochallenge.
 
Last season, Peterson averaged 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and turned in a sizzling 61.2 percent shooting from the field.
 
During his time playing professionally in Europe, some of Peterson's teammates have included Dominic James from Marquette, Brandon Heath from San Diego State, Courtney Fortson from Arkansas, Jamar Smith from Illinois, Derrick Brown from Xavier and Terese Rice from Boston College.
 
Peterson currently maintains a residence in Phoenix, Arizona, and is married to the former Jackie Jaszcz, who was a four-year letterwinner in volleyball at Samford University. The couple has a young daughter, Nora Belle Peterson, who was born on April 20, 2014, and has been blessed to travel the world as a family throughout his time as a professional.