Maria Gakdeng will continue her professional basketball career overseas

Maria Gakdeng earned a WNBA training camp invite with the Atlanta Dream, but unfortunately was one of the last roster cuts that the organization was forced to make.

While Gakdeng deserves a spot in the WNBA (as Tar Heel fans know!), this minor setback isn't stopping the former UNC women's basketball standout from reaching her goals.

Gakdeng's next professional move will take her overseas, as she has signed a contract with the Tarr KSC Szekszard in Hungary.

Tarr KSC Szekszard is a professional women's basketball club based in Szekszard, Hungary. Founded in 2008, they compete in the Hungary A-Division, the top overall division. The color scheme will be similar to what Gakdeng wore in Chapel Hill, as her new squad's primary colors are blue and white.

When you think of the transfer portal, you instantly start to identify players who thrived at their new school. Gakdeng is certainly in that category, as she developed into one of the country's top centers during her time with the UNC women's basketball program.

Recruited as a transfer from Boston College, Gakdeng's shot blocking ability was an elite trait that many top-flight schools wanted to acquire. However, Gakdeng chose Courtney Banghart and the Tar Heels, a move that all of us are happy she made.

Not only did she serve as an elite rim protector, but also became one of the focal points of the UNC women's basketball program's offensive attack. Whether she was finding efficient looks in the paint for herself or setting screens and getting offensive rebounds, Gakdeng was a presence on both sides of the floor, something that will be greatly missed in Chapel Hill.

Now, Gakdeng looks to take this next step in her professional journey, going overseas to gain some exposure. The hope is that she can continue to play at an elite level, eventually earning an opportunity to once again compete for a spot on a WNBA squad.

Oh, and don't forget: Lexi Donarski is playing in Hungary as well. It's very possible that a matchup between the two former teammates could happen!