By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Processing the buildup following the arrival of play-caller Erdem Can, newcomers will include Derek Willis.
Willis, 27, inked a two-year contract to join the Istanbul outfit, according to Eurohoops sources. The move was pending the approval of the new head coach, as previously reported by Eurohoops.
Can, 42, officially replaced Ergin Ataman to take over head-coaching responsibilities Tuesday.
With plenty of reinforcements expected to join forces with Can, Efes is set to complete the transfer of the former Kentucky standout.
Displaying his talents in Europe since 2018, from Germany to Spain and Italy, Willis put up 12.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest helping Umana Reyer Venice reach the Eightfinals of the 2022-23 edition of 7DAYS EuroCup. Combined with previous stints at Joventut Badalona and ratiopharm Ulm, he has played in 45 games of Euroleague Basketball’s second-tier club continental competition.
Poised to move up to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague with Efes possibly packing a totally new look compared to the team guided by Ataman over recent years, emerges a huge opportunity to make even more noise in the Old Continent.
Adding to his efforts with the team based in Venice throughout the 2022-23 season, he averaged 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game across all competitions based in Italy. From launching his professional career in the G League in 2017 to easyCredit BBL, Liga Endesa, and LBA Serie A UnipolSai, the European journey of domestic leagues continues to Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net