It felt like a sure thing that former Gophers forward Trevor Mbakwe would not only be selected in the NBA Draft in June but would also sign with a NBA team for his rookie campaign.

Then neither happened.

After going undrafted and playing limited minutes in the NBA’s two summer leagues, Mbakwe has signed with the Italian club Virtus Roma, according to a July 26 report by Sportando.net.

Mbakwe completed his senior season with the Gophers in March, averaging 10 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

The 6-foot-8-inch forward was projected to be taken in the second round of the NBA draft by numerous mock draft websites.

In summer league action with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors, Mbakwe averaged 2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per game.

Notable players to suit up for Virtus Roma in the past include Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings and Hall of Fame wing George Gervin.