Melvin Sanders Earns Gatorade Call-Up to Spurs
Published on January 22, 2006 under NBA G League (G League)
Fayetteville Patriots News Release
GREENVILLE, S.C., January 22 - The San Antonio Spurs signed Fayetteville Patriots guard Melvin Sanders today, making him the fifth GATORADE Call-Up of the 2005-06 NBA Development League season, the third in the last 11 days and the 55th overall since the league began play in November 2001.
Sanders has played in five games (two starts) since signing a D-League contract to play with the Patriots on January 4. He has averaged 28.2 minutes, 20.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He has converted 39-of-61 field goal attempts (.639) and 23-of-29 free throw tries (.793) since joining the Patriots.
John Lucas, III of Tulsa earned the first two GATORADE Call-Ups of the D-League season, signing with the Houston Rockets on December 29. He was waived by the Rockets on January 4 and re-signed to a 10-day contract on January 8. Fayetteville's Kaniel Dickens signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on January 10 and Chuck Hayes of Albuquerque inked with Houston on January 18.
The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA's umbrella. Thirty-eight (38) players have been called up to the NBA on 55 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also been called up since the start of the league's inaugural season in November 2001.
Gatorade Thirst Quencher is a proud partner of both the NBA and the NBA Development League. Gatorade is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. Backed by 35 years of research, Gatorade is the nation's leading sports drink. For more information, visit www.gatorade.com. Gatorade, it's in the D-League and the NBA, Is it in You?
NBA G League Stories from January 22, 2006
- Patriots put Dazzle away early, 136-123 - Fayetteville Patriots
- Cavaliers assign Andriuskevicius to RimRockers - Arkansas RimRockers
- RimRockers lose second straight to Flyers - Arkansas RimRockers
- Melvin Sanders Earns Gatorade Call-Up to Spurs - Fayetteville Patriots
- D-League daily developments - G League
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