Once a Badger, Always a Badger is a popular saying among Wisconsin fans. Whether a player leaves for the transfer portal or takes the next step in their personal life, they are always a part of the Wisconsin family. It’s always fun to hear about former athletes succeed in their professional careers as well. That is what we are hearing about with former men’s basketball standout Sam Dekker. Dekker was announced as the Player of the Year in the British Basketball League as a member of the London Lions earlier today.
London Lions
BBL MVP 2022/23 🦁🔥
Congratulations to @dekker for being named the @MoltenSports Player of the Year! 😎#wearelondon #SamDekker pic.twitter.com/lvTa45oWce
— London Lions (@LondonLions) May 12, 2023
Dekker averaged 17.1 points a game this season for the Lions. That was good enough for sixth in the league. Dekker also averaged 5.2 rebounds a game and 3.1 assists per game in just over 25 minutes a game. This also includes 22 points and nine rebounds in the BBL Cup final. That is some really productive numbers in a short amount of time. Dekker was also rewarded a contract extension through 2026 this week with the Lions as well.
Before Overseas
Dekker was a 2015 first round pick in the NBA Draft. He went 18th overall to the Houston Rockets after three successful years at Wisconsin. The native of Sheboygan, WI averaged 12.1 points a game and five rebounds a game in 113 career games at Wisconsin. He played a huge role in the Final Four runs in 2014 and 2015.
In his NBA career, Dekker has played in over 200 career games. He has played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and the Toronto Raptors. He was a part of the huge deal that sent Chris Paul from the Clippers to Houston. Dekker has played for multiple teams overseas since 2019.
Sam Dekker is such an easy guy to root for. While he probably hasn’t had the career he first thought he would, it seems like he’s made a life for himself in London. He spends a lot of time in Wisconsin as well in the off-season. I wish nothing but the best for Sam because he’s one of those you want to succeed.
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