The Joventut announced on Wednesday the fourth reinforcement for next season: the American power forward Derek Willis, who has signed a contract for one year with the Badalonese team.
Willis arrives from the Happy Casa Brindisi Italian and its incorporation closes the green-black squad for the 2021-22 academic year. The club defines it, in the announcement of its incorporation, as “A good shooter and a great defensive rebounder” and also highlights his ability to “Run to the counterattack.”
The American began his career in the university team of his land, the Kentucky Wildcats, one of the most prestigious NCAA teams in the United States, but did not make their NBA debut.
After his experience in the United States, Willis headed to Europe, where he played for two German teams: the Göttingen (2018-19) and Ratiopharm ulm (2019-20). With the latter, he played the European Championship under Jaka Lakovic, contributing 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Last season, Willis was an important piece of the Happy Casa Brindisi Italian, with whom he played the Legabasket Serie A and the Champions League. In the domestic competition, the American added 10.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game; and in Europe, 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.