Former WKU big man Charles Bassey has signed his rookie contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 53rd overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft agreed to a three-year deal on Friday that includes a fully guaranteed first year payment and a partial guarantee in year two. 

This comes after months of negotiation between the two sides that had Bassey sitting out of the NBA Summer League and being one of the last players to sign a contract from the 2021 NBA Draft.

let's get to work, @CB_Ones23 🖊️ pic.twitter.com/EoBBra67Op

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 24, 2021

Bassey averaged a double-double during his time on the Hill with 15.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. 

He was named both Conference USA Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020-21, becoming the fourth player in C-USA history to earn those honors in the same season while also earning a C-USA record seven Player of the Week awards. 

The Lagos, Nigeria native left his mark all over the WKU record books, placing fifth in blocked shots (184), fifth in double-doubles (39) and tying for 35th on the all-time scoring list with 1,142 points.

Just like he did in college, Bassey will wear the number 23 on his jersey. 

Men’s basketball reporter Kaden Gaylord-Day can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @_KLG3.