STEPHENVILLE – Former Tarleton basketball star DeAndre Upchurch has signed a professional contract to play for Hyvinkaan Ponteva (HyPo) in Finland.
 
It's the first professional contract for Upchurch, who played for the Texans from 2012-14. HyPo competes in the Finland League and is in the 1^st Division. HyPo's season begins on Oct. 9 with a 24-game schedule.
 
"I am very excited, I can't really put it into words," said Upchurch. "It's a great feeling and I'm blessed to be in this opportunity. Tarleton and Coach Reisman are very important in my success. They took a chance on me and they made me who I am today. They taught me so much and they were patient with me.
 
"I love my Tarleton family, from my great coaches to the fans. I want to give a special shout out to my coaches, my brother and my ex-teammates and just want to say thank you for choosing me to be a part of a great and successful family. I'm grateful for you guys. TEAM FAMILY BELIEVE"
 
Upchurch led the Texans in scoring in 2013-14, averaging 17.6 points per game and 545 total points after starting in all 31 games. Upchurch's 545 points rank 14^th all-time in a single season. The Flint, Michigan native also drained 90 3-pointers on 43.1 percent shooting in 2013-14, which is sixth all-time in a single season. Upchurch went on to being named first-team All-Lone Star Conference, Daktronics Second-Team All-Region and NABC Second-Team All-Region as a senior. Tarleton went 48-13 in Upchurch's two seasons and helped the Texans win a Lone Star Conference championship, two LSC tournament championships and made two NCAA tournament appearances.