Bakersfield's Ike Diogu Named 2014 NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year
April 25, 2014 - NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
BAKERSFIELD, April 25, 2014 - Bakersfield Jam forward Ike Diogu was today named the 2014 NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year, as voted by the NBA D-League's 17 head coaches. Implemented prior to the 2007-08 season, the Impact Player of the Year award is given to a player who joined an NBA D-League's team's roster after Dec. 5, 2013, and honors an athlete who made the greatest contribution to his team's success following his in-season acquisition.
"I am extremely honored to receive this award," said Diogu. "I'd like to thank God first and foremost followed by my amazing coaches and great teammates who sacrificed a lot in order for me to get this award. All credit goes to them and I share this award with them."
Diogu (6-8, 255, Arizona State) joined the Jam on Dec. 11, eight games into the season, and went on to lead the team in scoring (18.6 ppg) and rebounding (9.8 rpg) in the team's subsequent 42 games, 33 of which he started. He led the team in scoring in 16 contests, including in seven of the team's final 10 games of the season, and was the high-rebounder in 24 Jam outings.
"I am happy that the coaches in our league recognized Ike for this award," said Jam Head Coach Will Voigt. "Ike completely devoted himself to our program and was a huge part of our success down the stretch."
A six-year NBA veteran, Diogu was the ninth-overall selection in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. In 225 career games with the Warrior, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs, Diogu averaged 6.8 points and 1.8 rebounds.
"Ike made his presence felt immediately in Bakersfield this season," said Chris Alpert, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA D-League. "A veteran leader, Ike's work ethic and six years of NBA experience were invaluable for the Jam, and I'm pleased to congratulate him on a successful first campaign in the NBA D-League and this well-deserved honor."
Diogu joins Brian Butch (2009-10) as members of the Jam to earn the Impact Player of the Year award.
All-Time NBA D-League Impact Players of the Year:
Ike Diogu (Bakersfield Jam, 2013-14)
Rasual Butler* (Tulsa 66ers, 2012-13)
Eric Dawson (Austin Toros, 2011-12)
Jeff Adrien* (Rio Grande Valley Vipers, 2010-11)
Brian Butch (Bakersfield Jam, 2009-10)
Eddie Gill (Colorado 14ers, 2008-09)
Morris Almond (Utah Flash, 2007-08)
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- Bakersfield's Ike Diogu Named 2014 NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year - Bakersfield Jam
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