Bakersfield's Derrick Byars Signs with San Antonio Spurs
Published on April 25, 2012 under NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
BAKERSFIELD, April 25, 2012 - The San Antonio Spurs today signed Bakersfield Jam guard/forward Derrick Byars for the record 60th GATORADE Call-Up of the 2011-12 NBA Development League season. Byars joins more than 100 NBA players with NBA D-League experience currently on 2011-12 rosters.
In 25 regular season games, 22 starts, with the Jam, Byars (6-7, 220, Vanderbilt) averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 32.2 minutes. He scored in double figures 18 times, recording a season-high 27 points in a 109-102 win over the Canton Charge on Feb. 22. In the 2012 postseason, Byars averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.3 assists and 31.0 minutes in four games. In 104 career NBA D-League games, Byars has averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 35.3 minutes.
"It's certainly a special birthday gift to have earned an opportunity to join such a respected franchise as the Spurs. I'm glad all the hard work I've put in over the years, including 3 different seasons with the Jam, has culminated in getting a look from the Spurs", said Byars.
Jam's Head Coach Will Voigt said, "I am really happy that Derrick has received this opportunity. He is a dynamic scorer but he really focused on improving his defense this year and doing whatever was necessary for our team to win."
Byars has seen action in 15 NBA preseason games over four seasons, and owns NBA preseason career averages of 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 14.0 minutes.
Byars is expected to join the Spurs today and be available when the team faces the Suns in Phoenix tonight.
NBA G League Stories from April 25, 2012
- Bakersfield's Derrick Byars Signs with San Antonio Spurs - Bakersfield Jam
- Bakersfield's Derrick Byars Signs with San Antonio Spurs - G League
- Iowa Energy Forward Moses Ehambe Receives 2012 Jason Collier Sportsmanship Award - G League
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