Sports stats

Asheville's Desmond Penigar Named NBDL Rookie of the Year

April 1, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Asheville Altitude News Release


GREENVILLE, S.C., April 1 – Asheville Altitude forward Desmond Penigar has been selected as the National Basketball Development League's 2003-04 Rookie of the Year. Penigar was selected by a vote of NBDL head coaches.

Noted for his tireless work habits, Penigar is tied with Charleston guard Tierre Brown for the league lead in scoring with 18.6 points per game. The Utah State product has played in 34 games for Asheville (29 starts) and is averaging 29.2 minutes, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

"Desmond is a pleasure to coach because he has such a professional work ethic," Altitude head coach Joey Meyer said. "He is always working. He works hard before, during and after practice. It's not uncommon for him to even return to the floor after games to put in extra time on his game.

"He can score in a variety of ways and he's such a great kid, a good team guy," Meyer said. "The coaches couldn't have voted for a more deserving player for this award."

The 6-5, 245-pound Utah State product recorded his best month in December, averaging 22.8 points and 8.3 rebounds on the way to being named NBDL Player of the Month. He has failed to score in double figures just four times all season and has scored 20 points or more 12 times.

Penigar was signed to consecutive 10-day contracts by the Orlando Magic in February. He played in 10 games for the Magic, averaging 8.9 minutes, 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game before returning to Asheville March 11.

"With so many great young players in our league it is difficult to single out just one for Rookie of the Year, but Desmond is a deserving winner," NBDL director of basketball operations Chris Alpert said. "He has worked extremely hard and is a great ambassador for our league."

Penigar joins Fred House of Charleston and Devin Brown of Fayetteville as winners of the NBDL Rookie of the Year Award. House won the award in 2002 and Brown won it last season.

For additional information about Penigar or the NBDL click on NBDL.com.



NBA G League Stories from April 1, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Asheville Altitude Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central