Former Wisconsin Badgers stars Sam Dekker and Jordan Taylor have been on fire in the British Basketball League for the London Lions. Their hard work paid off, as the Lions won the BBL Championship on Friday afternoon.
Dekker did not participate in the championship game. However, he has had a season to remember. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound forward averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. On top of his solid production, his season was highlighted by a BBL Cup Finals MVP award.
Meanwhile, Taylor notched six points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the BBL Championship game. The former Badger averaged 8.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game in the regular season.
The Badgers legends have spent the last few years playing overseas. In that time, both players have seen plenty of success.
In 2019, Dekker played in Russia for Lokomotiv Kuban before heading to Turkey. During his time with Türk Telekom, Dekker averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Then, Dekker would continue his career in Turkey for Bahçesehir. During the 2021-22 season, Dekker averaged 13.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. He also signed an NBA contract with the Toronto Raptors, where he appeared in one game.
Taylor made his way to the EuroCup this year. He started with Cluj-Napoca, where he appeared in four games. In those four games, the former Wisconsin basketball star averaged 14.3 points, 4.5 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He would then move to the London Lions, where he has made a name for himself as a playmaking guard.
The Wisconsin Badgers legends were an essential piece to the London Lions during their run for the championship. Both players have had plenty of success overseas and have earned some hardware to show for their impressive play.
Congratulations to Sam Dekker and Jordan Taylor on the championship win!
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