Former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men’s basketball standout Makinde London has signed a professional contract to play next season for Legnano Basket, a second-division club in Italy.
The 6-foot-11 center announced the decision on Twitter late Thursday night.
UTC’s Makinde London (22) looks for a pass against UT Martin defense on Saturday. The Chattanooga Mocs took on the UT Martin Skyhawks at McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Saturday Dec. 2, 2017. (Photo: Bryant Hawkins)“I would officially like to thank @legnanobasket for this opportunity of a lifetime. I am beyond grateful to join the Knightsnow ain’t no more talking! Let’s get MESY!” he tweeted.
London averaged 9.7 points in two seasons with the Mocs after starting his career at Xavier. The former four-star prospect made 15 starts as a junior at UTC, averaging 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and just less than two assists per game.
He was the first player in UTC history with three games of at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a career, with all three coming during the 2017-18 season. Two of those were against Samford, including a 25-point, 15-rebound performance against the Bulldogs in the first round of the Southern Conference tournament. The third was against Marshall on Dec. 4, 2017.
London made at least one 3-pointer in 27 of 29 games, and he had multiple 3s in 12. He shot 40 percent from the field, 34 percent from 3-point range and 73 percent from the free-throw line.
“London is an atypical player in the role of center,” Legnano general manager Maurizio Basilico said in a press release. “He’s much more long-limbed than (current Knights center William) Mosley, for example, but with the same athletic explosiveness and with an excellent shot from the outside.”
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.