OREM--Utah Valley University men's basketball standout TJ Washington has signed a professional contract with APOP Paphou in Paphos, Cyprus.
 
APOP Paphou plays in the OPAP Basket League with eight other teams, including Keravnos, AEK Larnaca, Apollon, Apoel, E.N. Paralimni, Etha, Omonia, and AEL. The club was founded in 1953 as a soccer team and organized a basketball team in 2000.
 
"I am very excited for this opportunity to continue my basketball career," said Washington. "I've always dreamed about playing professionally, but now I have other goals to knock down. UVU was a great experience and the things I learned from the people there will definitely help me succeed in life. I'm thankful for everyone who has helped me throughout this process."

Washington averaged 12.4 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game last season for Utah Valley. His 4.6 assists per game last season was the second-best assists per game average in UVU history. His 136 assists this past year are the third-most ever in a single season in UVU history. Washington dished out a career-high 13 assists in a win at Grand Canyon last season—the second-most assists ever recorded in a single game in UVU history. He recorded nine or more assists seven times during his two-year career at Utah Valley. His 4.2 career assists per game average ranks third all-time at UVU, while his 265 career assists ranks fifth. Washington helped UVU to a school-record 25 wins and a trip to a national postseason tournament during his junior season.
 
Washington is set to fly to Cyprus and join the APOP Paphou team for training camp in September.