Former Kentucky Wildcats Derek Willis, Alex Poythress, and Kyle Wiltjer Secure New Lucrative Contracts to Extend Their Basketball Careers Overseas

It’s been years since Derek Willis, Alex Poythress, and Kyle Wiltjer donned the iconic Kentucky Wildcats jersey, but their basketball journeys are far from over. All three former Kentucky standouts have inked new professional contracts overseas, further solidifying their careers and proving that Big Blue Nation’s global influence stretches well beyond the NCAA hardwood.

For Kentucky fans, these names evoke memories of electrifying dunks, clutch three-pointers, and passionate battles under the bright lights of Rupp Arena. Though their paths diverged after their time in Lexington, the trio has remained connected through their shared roots in one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Now, with these latest signings, Willis, Poythress, and Wiltjer have each secured fresh opportunities to continue their professional basketball careers on the international stage, a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and lasting talent.

Derek Willis, the versatile forward from Mount Washington, Kentucky, has signed a new deal with Anadolu Efes in Turkey, one of Europe’s most respected and competitive clubs. Anadolu Efes competes in the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL) and the prestigious EuroLeague, where the stakes and competition rival that of the NBA. For Willis, this marks a significant career leap, offering him the chance to compete against some of the best talent outside North America.

Willis’ professional journey has been one of perseverance. After graduating from Kentucky in 2017, he began his pro career undrafted but carved a role for himself overseas with stints in Germany, Italy, and Spain. Known for his length, shooting ability, and versatility on both ends of the floor, Willis has steadily improved each season. His ability to stretch the floor as a forward fits perfectly with Anadolu Efes’ modern, uptempo system. The Turkish club, a two-time EuroLeague champion, is eager to integrate Willis into their frontcourt rotation, where his shooting and defensive presence could play a pivotal role.

Meanwhile, Alex Poythress has landed a lucrative contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, the Israeli powerhouse with a rich history of European basketball dominance. For Poythress, this new deal is more than just another step in his pro career — it’s a comeback narrative filled with determination and redemption.

Poythress, known for his athleticism and physicality during his Kentucky days, has battled through injuries that once threatened his professional aspirations. After going undrafted in 2016, he spent time in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks before transitioning to overseas basketball, where he’s rebuilt his game and reputation.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv signing places Poythress in one of the most passionate basketball markets in the world. The Israeli club regularly competes in the EuroLeague and boasts one of the most loyal fanbases in Europe. For Poythress, the opportunity presents both challenges and rewards — his interior presence, rebounding, and defensive toughness are expected to bolster a Maccabi roster intent on reclaiming European glory. Moreover, Poythress’ experience, having played at high levels in Russia and Turkey, makes him a valuable veteran addition to the squad.

Then there’s Kyle Wiltjer, whose journey has taken him from Lexington to Gonzaga, and across several continents, solidifying his status as one of the premier stretch big men in global basketball. Wiltjer has signed a significant new contract with Reyer Venezia in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A (LBA), adding another chapter to his impressive international career.

Wiltjer, known for his silky shooting stroke and high basketball IQ, has been a coveted asset for European clubs for years. After transferring from Kentucky to Gonzaga and starring for the Bulldogs, Wiltjer transitioned seamlessly to the international game, playing in Spain, Greece, Turkey, and most recently China, where his scoring prowess was on full display.

His move to Reyer Venezia represents a strategic decision for both the player and the club. Venezia, a competitive force in the Italian league and Basketball Champions League, is aiming to bolster its offensive firepower, and Wiltjer’s floor-spacing ability is a perfect fit. His reputation as a consistent three-point threat and offensive focal point makes him an ideal addition to a team with championship aspirations.

For Kentucky Wildcats fans, the news of all three former players securing new contracts underscores the program’s enduring impact on global basketball. While college basketball is often viewed as a springboard to the NBA, the reality is that for many talented athletes, international leagues offer equally rewarding and prestigious opportunities. In many ways, the careers of Willis, Poythress, and Wiltjer reflect the increasingly global nature of basketball, where talent is showcased, developed, and celebrated across borders.

Their continued success overseas also highlights a unique narrative: not every player’s professional journey follows the same script. While the NBA remains the pinnacle for many, thriving in international leagues requires a distinct blend of skill, adaptability, and mental toughness. Players must adjust to different styles of play, cultural environments, and high expectations — challenges that all three Kentucky alumni have embraced.

Derek Willis’ climb through Europe’s competitive leagues, Alex Poythress’ resilience in the face of injury setbacks, and Kyle Wiltjer’s transformation into an international offensive weapon are testaments to the work ethic and foundation instilled during their collegiate years in Lexington. Their stories resonate not just with die-hard Kentucky fans but also with aspiring athletes who understand that success comes in many forms and on many courts around the world.

Moreover, their new deals signify that these Wildcats are far from finished. With Anadolu Efes, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Reyer Venezia, respectively, they join organizations with rich traditions, passionate supporters, and lofty expectations. Each player brings experience, a winning mentality, and the versatility honed during their years wearing Kentucky blue.

For Willis, the opportunity to compete in the EuroLeague represents the pinnacle of European basketball and could serve as a platform for even greater exposure. For Poythress, playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv is a chance to showcase his athleticism and defensive prowess on one of Europe’s biggest stages, all while chasing championships. And for Wiltjer, joining Reyer Venezia not only reunites him with high-level European competition but offers a new platform to display the scoring versatility that has defined his career.

Collectively, their signings are a reminder of the broad pathways available to elite basketball talent. For Kentucky’s current and future players, these stories offer valuable lessons: perseverance pays off, and the pursuit of basketball excellence can lead to fulfilling, global careers well beyond the NBA.

As the 2024-25 international basketball season approaches, fans in Turkey, Israel, and Italy will watch eagerly as Derek Willis, Alex Poythress, and Kyle Wiltjer bring their skills, leadership, and Kentucky pedigree to their new teams. And while they may be thousands of miles away from Lexington, one thing is certain — once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. Their journeys continue, their legacies grow, and Big Blue Nation will be cheering them on, no matter where they lace up their sneakers.