Former University of Memphis star Dajuan Wagner, who saw his NBA career cut short due to injuries and illness, has signed a one-year deal to play with the Polish team, Prokom Trefl Sopot. The team competes in the Euroleague. They won the Polish League title from 2004-07.

Wagner is a former first round pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers (and sixth overall pick), and was attempting to make Golden State’s roster last year before having his contract bought out when he failed to keep up with the daily rigors of playing. Wagner, 24, had his colon removed in 2005. He has also suffered from severe colitis and a knee injury. it’s been two years since he played in his last regular season NBA game.

The Denver Nuggets has expressed some interest in Wagner this summer, but an ankle injury prevented him from playing on their summer league team. While in Poland, Wagner hopes to show he’s regained his stamina and that he’s overcome his illness. If he can do that, at 24, he’ll almost assuredly get another look by some NBA team next season. He averaged 9.4 points in three seasons with the Cavs, but only played in 102 of a possible 246 games.

In other news, former Ridgeway High and Vanderbilt star Derrick Byars has finally signed with Philadelphia. And you can bet he’ll be showing up to training camp in a couple of weeks with a huge chip on his shoulders.

Byars, who was voted the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year by the league’s coaches, was projected to be a late lottery pick in last June’s NBA draft. But he unexplicably slid to the mid-second round, finally being chosen by Portland with the 42nd pick before having his rights traded to the 76ers.

Byars averaged 17 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals in leading the Commodores to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament last season.