Wisconsin men’s basketball: Aleem Ford drafted first overall

While the NBA Draft is still a ways away, other leagues around the world have begun the process of signing players for future deals. Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Aleem Ford became the first senior from last season’s squad to land a professional role.

The 23-year old Georgia native was selected first overall in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional de Puerto Rico draft. The league represents the highest level of professional basketball in Puerto Rico, and he will play professionally for Leones de Ponce.

Ford joins the BSN league after being a multi-year starter for the Badgers, while averaging 6.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game over the course of his career.

The exact financials of his contract are unknown in the 10-team league, but as a high draft pick he could earn one of the higher salaries associated with the non-cap structured league. According to this data, the average pay rate for a BSN player is between 10 and 14 thousand dollars per month. Not too shabby.

He will not be the last exiting senior to land across the globe professionally, as D’Mitrik Trice, Nate Reuvers and Micah Potter all announced their intentions to pursue a professional basketball career. It will be interesting to see where the remaining four land.