The Overseas Odyssey: 7 Shocking Facts About Derek Willis’s Post-UK Basketball Career
Derek Willis, the sharpshooting forward from the University of Kentucky, has carved out an impressive and globe-trotting professional career since leaving Lexington in 2017. As of today, December 19, 2025, the Kentucky native is thriving as a key contributor for a major European club, continuing his journey of redemption and proving that the skills honed under Coach John Calipari translate to the highest levels of international competition.
Far from the bright lights of Rupp Arena, Willis has become a EuroLeague veteran, known for his versatility, three-point prowess, and high basketball IQ. His career has taken him through Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and now France, establishing him as one of the most successful international players from his UK graduating class. This comprehensive profile details his life, his pivotal college years, and the full scope of his remarkable professional odyssey.
Derek Willis: Biography and Profile
Derek Xavier Willis is an American professional basketball player whose career is defined by his versatility as a stretch-four power forward. The Kentucky native is currently competing in the prestigious EuroLeague.
- Full Name: Derek Xavier Willis
- Date of Birth: June 21, 1995
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 30 years old
- Hometown: Mount Washington, Kentucky
- High School: Bullitt East High School (Mount Washington, KY)
- College: University of Kentucky (2013–2017)
- Position: Power Forward (PF)
- Playing Height: 6’9” (2.06 m)
- Playing Weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
- NBA Draft Status: 2017 Undrafted
- Current Team (2025–Present): Paris Basketball (LNB Pro A, EuroLeague)
The Kentucky Journey: Redemption and the Rise of a Sharpshooter
Willis's time with the Kentucky Wildcats was a storied four-year journey marked by early struggles, a moment of public adversity, and ultimately, a powerful redemption arc.
A Slow Start Under Calipari
Arriving as a three-star recruit, Derek Willis initially committed to Purdue but ultimately signed with Coach John Calipari's Kentucky program. His first two seasons (2013–2015) were spent largely on the bench, a common experience for players in the talent-stacked UK system. He was part of the legendary 2015 team that started 38-0 before falling in the Final Four.
The Pivotal Junior and Senior Seasons
Willis broke through during his junior year (2015–2016). A double-double performance off the bench against Auburn was the catalyst, earning him a starting spot for the remainder of the season. He established himself as a versatile forward and a crucial floor-spacer, a role that would define his professional career.
His senior year (2016–2017) saw him post career highs across the board, including minutes, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals. He averaged 7.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, becoming a reliable presence and a fan favorite for his resilience and local Kentucky roots.
Overcoming Adversity
Willis's journey was also one of personal growth. He faced a moment of public adversity when he was arrested for alcohol intoxication in a public place during his senior season. However, he used the incident as a turning point, rededicating himself to basketball and his personal life. His success in the subsequent seasons became a powerful story of redemption and maturity, solidifying his legacy as a Wildcat who overcame challenges to achieve his potential.
The Overseas Odyssey: Derek Willis’s Professional Timeline
After going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft, Willis played for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League and was signed to their training camp roster before moving to the G League. His true career, however, has been a successful, decade-long tenure in Europe, where he has consistently played at the highest levels, including the EuroCup and the EuroLeague.
Professional Career Timeline:
- 2017–2018: Grand Rapids Drive (NBA G League, USA)
- 2018–2019: BG Göttingen (Basketball Bundesliga - BBL, Germany)
- 2019–2020: Ratiopharm Ulm (BBL, Germany)
- 2020–2021: Happy Casa Brindisi (Lega Basket Serie A - LBA, Italy)
- 2021–2022: Club Joventut Badalona (Liga ACB, Spain)
- 2022–2024: Anadolu Efes (BSL, Turkey & EuroLeague)
- 2025–Present: Paris Basketball (LNB Pro A, France & EuroLeague)
The EuroLeague Chapters: Efes and Paris
Willis’s move to Anadolu Efes, a perennial EuroLeague contender in Turkey, marked his arrival on the continent's biggest stage. During his time there, he gained valuable experience and even secured a major trophy, winning the Turkish Super Cup in 2024. After two seasons with Efes, he made a high-profile move to Paris Basketball, a rising force in the EuroLeague, signing on July 4, 2025.
Current Status: Thriving with Paris Basketball in the 2025–2026 Season
As of the 2025–2026 season, Derek Willis is flourishing with Paris Basketball, proving to be a vital piece in their rotation. His role as a power forward who can stretch the floor has been critical to the team's EuroLeague success.
In the current EuroLeague campaign, Willis is demonstrating efficiency and consistency. He is averaging 7.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His three-point shooting remains a significant weapon, hitting nearly 40% of his attempts, which forces opposing defenses to respect his range and opens up the paint for his teammates. His current performance confirms his status as a high-level European professional and a testament to his continued development since his days as a Wildcat.
Topical Authority: Willis's Impact on European Basketball
Derek Willis is more than just a former UK player overseas; he is a prototype of the modern European "stretch big." His skillset—combining a 6'9" frame with elite perimeter shooting and defensive versatility—is highly sought after in international basketball. His journey through Germany's BBL, Italy's LBA, and Spain's Liga ACB before landing in the EuroLeague showcases a player who has consistently climbed the ranks of the continent's best leagues.
The entities he has played for, such as Ratiopharm Ulm, Joventut Badalona, and Anadolu Efes, are all historic or elite clubs in their respective countries, underscoring the trust that top-tier organizations place in his abilities. His latest move to Paris Basketball, a team with high aspirations in the EuroLeague, indicates that at 30 years old, Willis is still viewed as a prime asset, capable of contributing significantly to championship-caliber teams.
From a three-star recruit with a bumpy start at Kentucky to a celebrated EuroLeague veteran, Derek Willis’s career stands as a model for college players looking to extend their careers internationally. His commitment to continuous improvement and his ability to adapt to different cultures and playing styles have secured his place as a successful American export in the global game of basketball.
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