Watford to play in Israel

Former IU forward Christian Watford has signed a contract with Hapoel Eliat of Ligat Loto in Israel.

"Just signed my first professional contract! #togodbetheglory #HOLYLAND !!" Watford tweeted at about 3:21 p.m.

Such a development appeared to have occurred Tuesday, with his future ball club going so far as to announce the signing. However, Watford himself denied the reports. He said he had offers from several other European professional teams.

Watford becomes the fifth Hoosier from last season's roster to sign with a professional team and the third to go overseas this coming season.

"What really persuaded me to go to Eilat was the great feedback I got from Americans who had played on that team,"

Watford averaged 12.3 points per game and 6.2 rebounds as a senior. He went undrafted in last month's NBA Draft, but played on Summer League teams for both the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks.

"My goals are simply to get better as a player and help my team win a championship," Watford said. "I got some good feedback after the experience in the NBA summer league on what I was doing. I've got to get better at creating space and being more complete. I'll be leaving Aug 24."

- Max McCombs