Damen Bell-Holter (born April 13, 1990) or Nangghaahlaangstangs[1] from Hydaburg, Alaska[2] is an American professional basketball player who played for Fortitudo Agrigento of the serie A2 and the Boston Celtics. An Alaska Native and Haida,[3] he played college basketball at Oral Roberts University and now coaches youth across the Pacific Northwest. He is also of African-American descent. Bell-Holter often gives inspirational speeches and uses his personal and family experiences with depression, abuse, alcoholism and toxic masculinity to inspire others—particularly young men and indigenous youth.[4][5][6]
Professional
Bell-Holter went undrafted in the 2013 NBA draft. On August 7, 2013, he signed with Telekom Baskets Bonn of Germany for the 2013–14 season.[7] However, he was later released by Bonn on August 28, 2013.[8]
On September 30, 2013, he signed with the Boston Celtics.[9] However, he was later waived by the Celtics on October 26, 2013, after playing in three pre-season games.[10] On October 31, 2013, he was acquired by the Maine Red Claws as an affiliate player.[11]
On July 29, 2014, he signed with BC Körmend of Hungary for the 2014–15 season.[12] He later left before appearing in a game for them. On October 9, 2014, he signed with Pertevniyal İstanbul of the Turkish Basketball Second League.[13]