As VU Hoops contributor Mike reported earlier today, Maalik Wayns signed a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Although this may come as a shock to some, Wayns was not surprised at all that he made an NBA squad.

"I never lost faith and I never doubted myself and neither did the people around me. I’ve been going against the odds all my life. I just wanted an chance to prove myself."

Maalik certainly proved himself in the Orlando Summer League, but nonetheless, being signed by his hometown team is very surreal.

"I love Philadelphia — that’s why I chose to go to Villanova and now I get a chance to play for the Sixers. Words can’t begin to describe what I’m feeling right now."

The 76ers open up the 2012-2013 season against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 31st.