The decorated former Bradley basketball star was signed to a one-year, standard NBA contract by the Oklahoma City Thunder after their game Wednesday night, and announced by the team on Thursday.

The 6-foot-9 Leons, who played four preseason games for the Thunder and was on their summer league squad, was brought back to fill the NBA team’s 15th roster spot.

“Not shocked at all, makes winning plays, great teammate and worker,” Bradley coach Brian Wardle said on social media.

Leons could make his NBA regular-season debut as early as Friday on the road at Portland. He is the first player from the Braves program to appear in the NBA since Walt Lemon played for the Chicago Bulls in 2019, according to program records.

More: Bradley basketball star’s future includes a shoe line, the pro game and a return to Peoria

Who is Malevy Leons?

Leons finished his college career as a repeat Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He had 54 steal

and 51 blocks last season, and 52 blocks and 52 steals the year before when he became the first player in MVC history to reach a 50-50 performance. He also shot better than 34% from 3-point range in his final season in 2023-24.

The Netherlands native was hugely popular with fans, declining to put himself in the transfer portal for his final year of college eligibility and instead announcing he would stay for a final season with Bradley.

Leons brings a relentless work ethic, but also a joy for the game often expressed on the court.