By Gary Lloyd
Christian Watford, who played basketball at Hewitt-Trussville for the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons, has signed his first professional basketball contract.
Watford signed with Hapoel Eilat, a pro basketball team in Israel, according to The Indianapolis Star.
“Just signed my first professional contract! #togodbetheglory #HOLYLAND !!” Watford posted on Twitter.
Watford was not selected in the NBA Draft in June and played sparingly in summer league games for the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks.
The 6-foot-9 Watford averaged 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Indiana Hoosiers last season.
Watford was chosen to the All-Big Ten third team by coaches and media.
Watford finished ninth in Indiana University history in points (1,730) and rebounds (776).
Watford averaged 12 points per game as a freshman, 16 as a sophomore, 12.6 as a junior and 12.3 as a senior. He averaged a career-high 6.25 rebounds per game as a senior.
As a junior, Watford won the ESPY award for the 2012 “Best Play” for hitting a buzzer-beating 3-point to defeat No. 1 Kentucky 73-72. He scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds in that game.
Watford averaged 16.8 points and 10 rebounds per game as a high school sophomore at Hewitt-Trussville. He was an Alabama Sports Writers Association honorable mention all-state player for the 2006-2007 season. Watford played his final two high school seasons at Shades Valley, where he was a first-team all-state selection his senior year, in which he averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds per game.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.