DURHAM, N.C. – Former North Carolina Central University men's basketball standout Ray Willis (Atlanta, Ga.) has signed a professional contract to play with BC Prievidza in the Slovakian League.

When asked about signing his first professional contract, Willis showed his true character.

"I'm just thankful," said Willis. "I get to play a sport that I love and get paid for it. What more needs to be said."

Willis put up stellar numbers in his two seasons, averaging 13.3 points a game in 63 contests played. He earned second team All-MEAC honors in both his junior and senior campaigns and finished his career with the highest free-throw percentage of the Eagles who have made over 220 free-throws as he shot 81.0 percent from the line (270-333).

"I'm honored to witness a dream come true for a young man of this caliber," said NCCU head men's basketball coach LeVelle Moton. "Ray is such a deserving young man who committed himself to the greater good of the program. His professional contract is a by-product of his sacrifices. Being paid to play this game is the ultimate honor of any student-athlete at this level. I'm proud for him and his family."

In two seasons at NCCU, Willis scored in double figures 47 times and scored 20 points or more in 11 contests, including a career-high 28 points in a tough home loss against Delaware State on Jan. 28, 2012.

One of his most memorable performances in his senior year took place on Jan. 14, 2013 in a huge road win at historic Moore Gymnasium over Bethune-Cookman where Willis scored 26 points, including a perfect 13-for-13 from the foul line to help seal the 75-66 victory.

BC Prievidza was established in 1947 and last won a Slovakian League Championship in the 2011-12 season.

The official website for BC Prievidza is http://www.pdbasket.com/.

For more information about NCCU athletics, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Sports Network app available in the App Store, Google Play and Amazon.