Former BTW, ORU Hooper Korey Billbury Talks Furthering His Career In Italy

When Korey Billbury transferred from Oral Roberts to Virginia Commonwealth, the move took him to the other side of the country.

The former Booker T. Washinton and Golden Eagles guard averaged 11 points and five rebounds in his one year with the Rams.

"I was one of the scorers, one of the rebounders and one of the defenders, so I really had to find my niche,” said Billbury. “That really helped me evolve for the professional realm."

Through his agent, he started to look overseas. Together, they decided on Italy. 

Billbury admitted being homesick in Richmond while being away from his children.

"It's going to be tough,” he stated. “But now, it's for a check so now it's a job. If I don't perform I'll be back home by force."

Billbury says his new team in Italy has produced some players that went on to play in the NBA, and he hopes to follow in those footsteps.

The only problem is he doesn't even know how to pronounce the clubs name.

"I pronounce it Recanati, but everybody says it different,” he explained.

It's actually Basket Recanati (RE-ka-NAH-Ti) of the Italian Serie A2, a second-tier side.

"The coach is really good [at] developing players and getting them into the position they need to be in,” said Billbury. “Being under him will give me the connections and resources I need if I perform the way I'm supposed to perform to further my career."

Billbury will get used to the European style of play, which he describes as more fundamental.

In addition, he will have money to pay for his fiancé and son to visit.

But he says the first thing he’ll do in Italy is get settled and go to the beach.

“The city I'm in is next to the beach, and I'm a beach guy,” he added.