Gates Chili High School graduate Cierra Dillard is back in Europe for her second year of pro basketball.

Last season, she played in Spain only to have her season cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Knowing that COVID-19 kind of ended the season, it makes you even more grateful that you're able to travel and meet all these different people and be able to play basketball," said Dillard.

Dillard, 24, is playing for a team in Finland and she's off to a great start, averaging 14 points per game.

"I'm actually not one of the smallest players, which will be the first of my life, not the first but it's awesome to be kind of a bigger guard and on a team," Dillard added.

She was a standout player with the University at Buffalo, helping lead the Bulls to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. She's excited to see another Section V alum playing well at UB. Edison Tech grad Dyaisha Fair is coming off MAC Freshman of the Year honors.

"Her talent is unbelievable. The way she sees the game, I think it's a Rochester thing. I may be biased, but the way she sees the game is great and she's definitely going to be taking them to new horizons," Dillard explained.

Dillard would prefer to play in the states. The former WNBA draft pick says the league is working to provide more opportunities.

"I think we're coming to that point now that the WNBA is building up marketing. I think it's the biggest thing, building up marketing, and actually get to see these games, and see that women can compete at a high level and it's entertaining that more leagues and more avenues will come across," said Dillard.