From an Indian reservation to EuroLeague: Derek Willis way to Efes / News - Basketnews.com

Derek Willis has seen steady growth in his performances since he arrived in Europe several years ago. At 28, he'll have the chance of his career to play in the EuroLeague for Anadolu Efes. At BasketNews, we decided to take a look at the path he had to endure to reach this point and what he might be able to bring to the Turkish side.

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After six wonderful years,Ergin Ataman's time withAnadolu Efes Istanbulcame to an end. The Turkish head coach built an impressive team with Efes.

He won the EuroLeague twice in a row, reaching another final that his team lost against CSKA Moscow, and celebrated three domestic leagues too.

Ataman's version of Anadolu Efes was one of the most successful teams in the recent history of European basketball. But now, many things will change in the Turkish club.

Ataman left the team to joinPanathinaikos Athens,Vasilije Micicfinally accomplished his dream of playing in the NBA and joined theOklahoma City Thunder. But some key pieces of the roster will stay, such asShane LarkinandWill Clyburn.

Efes' GM has already announced that the budget for next season will be lower, but that doesn't mean thatErdem Can, the man who'll replace Ergin Ataman, won't be able to count on a quality roster.

One of the first additions Efes this offseason was American power forwardDerek Willis, who'll play in the EuroLeague for the first time in his career.

Willis, who recently turned 28, is probably at the apex of his career, and it looks like the perfect time for him to try this new experience.

In the last few years, his growth has been steady, and he has been a potential target for several EuroLeague teams for a couple of years now.

The American power forward has a really unique background, and this is the perfect moment to understand what kind of path Willis had to follow to reach the highest level of European basketball.

Kentucky, an Indian reservation, and Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments

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