MANKATO, Minn. --- Former Minnesota State guard Malik Willingham has signed a professional contract with BC Kavkasia of the Georgia-Superleague.

" Today marks a milestone as one of our all-time leading scorers and National Champion player takes the next big step by signing a professional contract, head coach Matt Margenthaler said. "We couldn't be any more proud to see such dedication, talent and hard work pay off. Malik's future is so very bright. He will go and be GREAT! "

A 6-3 guard from Waseca, Minn., Willingham played in 133 games during his five seasons with the Mavericks, including 98 starts. He finished he career at Minnesota State ranked third all-time in scoring (1,729), second in three pointers made (278), fifth in assists (415), sixth in steals (172) and seventh in field goals made (617).

Willingham was named to the All-NSIC First Team during his final two seasons with the program. His last season proved to be one for the record books as he claimed NSIC Player of the Year honors as he helped his team win an NSIC Championship and its first ever NCAA Championship behind a 35-2 record. He became the ninth Maverick to claim All-American honors as he was named to the D2CCA All-American First Team.

Minnesota State faces Kentucky in an exhibition contest on Oct. 29 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. MSU opens its regular season schedule at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Lakeland, Fla. The Mavericks will take on Florida Southern on Nov. 2 at 4:45 p.m. (CST) before facing North Georgia on Nov. 3 at 7:00 p.m. (CST).