CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M men's basketball's Hayden Blankley has signed a two-year professional contract with the East Asia Super League (EASL) Bay Area Dragons.  
 
"Hayden was instrumental player for us in the three years he was at WT," stated head coach Tom Brown.  "I would have really liked to see him finish his career here at WT.  However, he has signed a very lucrative contract to play professionally."
 
"I built friendships and relationships playing for WT that will be cherished forever," said Blankley.  "Playing underneath coach Brown, Gove, Henderson and such a winning culture helped me develop winning habits that I can now use in my upcoming professional career. They helped prepare me for what my goal has been ever since I began playing basketball – becoming a pro."  
 
The Sydney, Australia product played three seasons for the Maroon & White helping WT to an 80-11 overall record including three consecutive Lone Star Conference Championship titles while also seeing action in the 2021 NCAA Division II National Championship game.  
 
"I know Hayden will eventually finish school as he was a terrific student as well as being an exceptional basketball player.  We will really miss Hayden on the court and in the locker room.  He was a true team player," said Brown. 
 
Blankley made appearances in 81 games with 23 career starts with 453 total points.  He brought down 289 rebounds for WT with 90 coming on offense to go along with 36 blocks, 52 steals, and 60 assists.  Blankley reached double-figure scoring 20 times during his career including career-high 21 against Eastern New Mexico.  Last season, he recorded his first double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the Buffs 85-72 victory over Cameron. 
 
"Although my time playing for the Buffs is now over, I will always be a Buff and will proudly represent the school and program in my professional career." 
 
The Hong Kong-based Dragons are the latest addition to the newly formed EASL.  The Dragons will open the season on October 12 against the Philippines. 
 
The EASL was founded in the 2016 with the mission to create the premier basketball league and entertainment experience in Asia while elevating the sport in the region.  The league features the top teams from Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines with the season ranging from October to March.