July 9, 2009

ATHENS, Ohio - Former Ohio University forward Jerome Tillman has agreed to terms with Chalon sur Saone of the French Pro A League, the club announced on Wednesday.

The Beavercreek, Ohio, native is the 41st former Ohio player to sign a contract to play overseas, and the third in the last two seasons. On the same day that Tillman's deal was made public, Chalon sur Saone also announced the signing of former Michigan State point guard and All-Big Ten selection Drew Neitzel.

Tillman earned a spot on the All-Mid-American Conference first team for the second time in his career in 2008-09 after leading the Bobcats with averages of 17.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, pacing the league with eight double-doubles and scoring in double figures in 31 of Ohio's 32 outings. He spent the majority of his senior campaign as one of the just three players in the nation to lead his conference in both points and rebounds per game, joining consensus National Player of the Year Blake Griffin - the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft - and Notre Dame All-American Luke Harangody in that elite company.

Ranked eighth on the program's career charts for both points (1,635) and rebounds (860), Tillman is one of just five players in Ohio history to cement his name on both top-10 lists. His 26-career double-doubles are also the fifth-most by an Ohio player since 1990. He garnered All-MAC distinction in three of his four seasons in Athens, including a pair of first-team accolades, and was recognized as an NABC first-team All-District 14 pick as a senior.

Tillman's signing gives the Bobcats three players who have inked professional deals in the last two seasons, as Leon Williams signed on with Pinar Karsiyaka of the Turkish Basketball League and Bubba Walther joined ZZ Leiden of the Dutch Eredivisie following the 2007-08 campaign.