James Gist averaged 15.9 points and 7.9 rebounds last season fro the Terps
Former Terrapin basketball player James Gist was taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the 57th pick of Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Gist averaged 15.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game this past season, as a senior power forward. In the NBA, he will likely be expected to use his length and athleticism to provide strong defense at the small forward position.
Second round picks are not guaranteed contracts in the NBA. Many second rounders initially play in Europe or the NBDL, a developmental league designed to prepare players better for the NBA.
The Spurs, who have won four championships in the past 10 years with star center Tim Duncan leading the way, also selected IUPUI point guard George Hill with the 26th pick and Slovenian point guard Goran Dragic. Dragic isn’t expected to join the team for several years.
Former Terp D.J. Strawberry was taken with the 59th pick last season. Strawberry played in 33 games for the Suns, scoring 73 points in 270 minutes.
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