Wayland Baptist University's all-time leading rebounder has signed a professional contract to play basketball in Europe. Danny Storey will leave next week for Alaior, Menorca, a small island off the coast of Spain. 

"It has always been my dream to play professionally in Europe" said Storey, the Sooner Athletic Conference's 2008 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a 2^nd team NAIA All-American. "I guess you could say that this is a dream come true."

Storey is just the second player in Wayland history to record over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. The 2003 Canyon High School graduate, who averaged 14.6 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Pioneers during his senior season, ended his four years with 1,426 points and 1,032 rebounds.

WBU coach Robert Davenport says that Storey has earned the right to continue his career.

"I couldn't be prouder of Danny. I wasn't here when he got to Wayland, but I'm told he was about 6'6 and 190. Now he's 6'7 and weighs a solid 240. He got that way because he is one of the hardest workers I've ever been around. 

"Danny is a classic over-achiever. He was one of a very few players in the NAIA who averaged a double-double, and he did that because of his work ethic. That same work ethic is what will make him successful as a professional."

After signing with an agent in June, Storey could do nothing but sit back and wait.

"I was getting pretty anxious. The agent was looking exclusively at teams in Spain, and Ty [former teammate Ty Harrelson, who is playing professionally in Germany] was keeping an eye out in Germany.

"I was over in Europe [Storey and former teammate Michal Polanowski, along with WBU head coach Robert Davenport had been conducting a basketball camp for Athletes in Action in Poland] when my agent finally called and told me what was going down," explained Storey. "I told him to jump on it." 

The island of Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands which are situated in the Mediterranean Sea.  The island is split into eight municipalities or administrative districts, one of which is Alaior.

"It's a six-hour ferry ride from the island to Barcelona," explained Storey. "Our team is the only island team in the league, so I guess we'll be spending a lot of time on that ferry, but I can't wait to get there."

Preseason workouts for the Alaior team begin August 25^th and the regular season begins October 3 for the 16-team league.