Jam Receives Two Allocated Players
Published on November 3, 2009 under NBA G League (G League)
Bakersfield Jam News Release
(Bakersfield, Calif., November 3, 2009) - The Bakersfield Jam are poised for another successful season after center Robert Swift and guard/forward Justin Hawkins were allocated to the team on Tuesday.
Swift (7-0, 245) was drafted directly out of Bakersfield HS in 2004 by the Seattle Supersonics, and has averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game over four injury-plagued NBA seasons. In 2005-06 Swift tallied 6.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.2 bpg in 47 games (20 starts), and appeared ready to break out before knee problems derailed much of the next several seasons.
"As soon as I heard that Bakersfield had a team, I was hoping I could play for them," said Swift, who is healthy again and thrilled to be returning home. "I'm excited to just be able to play, and not worry about getting injured again or all the little things. Being back home and in a more stable and secure situation, I think it's gonna be a great year."
Jam head coach Will Voigt share's Swift's excitement: "I am thrilled to have a player of Robert's magnitude on our team, but I'm even more excited about the impact that he will have on the Bakersfield community. To have a local star return home to play is about as good as it gets."
Hawkins (6-7, 210) was a standout at New Mexico State from 2006-2008, leading the team in scoring and rebounding throughout his two-year tenure at the school. A versatile wingman, he averaged 18.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg as a senior in 2007-08, shooting 47.3% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range. Hawkins spent the 2008-09 season in France's ProA league, where he scored 13.3 ppg and pulled down 4.6 rpg for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs.
"Justin has demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes for his team to be successful," said Coach Voigt. "It became clear to me in my conversations with him that he will fit perfectly in the culture we are trying to establish here."
"My brother saw me play when I was in France, but my mom hasn't seen a game since college," said Hawkins, a Southern California native who is excited to be playing closer to home. "I'm definitely excited to be back and have an opportunity to play in the development league."
The Jam will add more talent to the roster during the D-League Draft, which will air on NBA TV on Thursday, Nov. 5. The remainder of the invitees to training camp, which begins on Thursday, Nov. 12, will be chosen from participants in last month's open tryouts.
NBA G League Stories from November 3, 2009
- Jam Receives Two Allocated Players - Bakersfield Jam
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- Skyforce Announces 2009-10 Training Camp Invitees - Sioux Falls Skyforce
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