Butler Is Playing in Israel, but He Signs With CBA

Ricky Butler, a former UC Irvine basketball standout, is playing professionally in Israel for a team in the city of Rehovoth, said Butler’s agent, Guy Zucker.

Butler also has signed a one-year contract with the Rapid City Thrillers of the Continental Basketball Assn., but the contract is not binding unless he reports to the team’s camp.

Butler’s Rehovoth team opened its season Tuesday, and Zucker said Butler is scheduled to remain with the team all season, but would report to Rapid City if he were released.

Butler, 23, who also played at Ocean View High School, was Irvine’s second-leading scorer last season, averaging 17.8 points. He was the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 8.4 rebounds.