Sept. 12, 2012

OREM, Utah - Former Utah Valley University forward Keith Thompson has begun his professional career after signing to play in the Colombian Basketball Legaue.

Thompson plays for Bayside, located on San Andrés Island in Colombia, and made his debut on Sept. 10 with 43 points and nine rebounds in the season opener.

"I'm blessed to have the opportunity to play professional basketball and it's a great honor to be able to live one of my dreams," Thompson said.

The California native played at UVU for two seasons and earned honorable mention All-Great West Conference honors as a senior in 2011-12. During his time in Orem he helped the Wolverines to a pair of Great West championships.

"It's exciting for Keith to have the opportunity to play internationally," said UVU head coach Dick Hunsaker. "He has significant upside as a professional player."

As a senior, Thompson averaged 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while starting 31 games for Utah Valley.