Former Wildcats Derek Willis and Alex Poythress sign overseas contracts

Two former Kentucky Wildcats have opted to player overseas for the upcoming hoops season.

Earlier this week, Alex Poythress signed an overseas contract with Russian club BC Zenit, according to Eurohoops. BC Zenit competes in the VTB United League and in the EuroLeague.

Then on Friday, Derek Willis signed with Happy Casa Brindisi, according to Sportando. They compete in Italy’s top-level Serie A league.

Willis, who played at UK from 2013-17 before going undrafted, spent time in the G-League with the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ G-League affiliate. He averaged 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 43 games.

Last year, Willis played in Germany with BG Gottingen, where he averaged 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting with 42% from three-point range.

Willis would later join Rathioparm Ulm, the German team participating in the Eurocup. In nine games during the event, Willis averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while, shooting 57% from deep.

Poythress, who played at UK from 2012-16 before going undrafted, played in 52 career NBA games over three seasons with the 76ers, Pacers, and Hawks. He averaged 3.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

Last year, Poythress played with Galatasaray Doga Sigorta of the Turskish Basketball Super League, where he averaged 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Good luck to both of these former Wildcats as they continue their professional careers overseas.

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