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Gonzaga Basketball

Former Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams signs to play in Turkey

Gonzaga forward Johnathan Williams snags a rebound against San Francisco forward Matt McCarthy, Monday, March 5, 2018, during the West Coast Conference Tournament at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.  (DAN PELLE/The Spokesman-Review)

Johnathan Williams, who has played portions of the last two seasons in the NBA, is heading to Turkey to continue his professional career.

The former Gonzaga standout signed a one-year deal with Galatasaray Odeabank in Istanbul, the team announced.

This will be Williams’ second overseas stint. He played for Maccabi Rishon in Israel last year before joining the Washington Wizards in December when the team encountered numerous injuries, including former GU teammate Rui Hachimura (groin).

Williams played in four games in the NBA’s bubble restart in Orlando and 15 overall while splitting time with the Wizards’ G League team.

The 6-foot-9 Williams, as an undrafted rookie, played in 24 games for the Los Angeles Lakers and 36 games for G League South Bay in 2018-19.

Williams has averaged 5.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 14.2 minutes in 39 career NBA games. He averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in 59 career G League contests.

Galatasaray competes in the Turkish BSL league against Turk Telecom and former Zag Kyle Wiltjer, who is entering his second season in Ankara. Former Washington State Cougar forward Brock Motum is on Galatasaray’s roster.

Williams, a two-time All-WCC selection, led GU in scoring (13.4 points) and rebounding (8.5) as a senior while earning AP All-America honorable mention. GU was 69-7 in Williams’ two seasons, including a 37-2 record in 2017 when the Zags reached the NCAA championship game.