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Riverdragons Acquire Three-Year NBA Vet Obinna Ekezie

November 30, 2004 - NBA G League (G League)
Columbus Riverdragons News Release


GREENVILLE, S.C., November 30 – The Columbus Riverdragons of the National Basketball Development League have claimed center Obinna Ekezie and released center Jason Lawson, according to an announcement today by NBDL director of basketball operations Chris Alpert and Riverdragons head coach Jeff Malone.

Ekezie, a 6-9, 270-pound center from the University of Maryland ('99), spent three seasons in the NBA with the Vancouver Grizzlies ('99-00), Washington Wizards('00-01), Dallas Mavericks ('00-01), and Los Angeles Clippers ('01-02). The 29 year-old from Port Harcourt, Nigeria appeared in 101 NBA games over three seasons, averaging 2.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. His best season as a pro came in 2000-01, as Ekezie appeared in 31 games, averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per contest with Washington and Dallas. Originally selected by Vancouver in the second round (37th overall) of the 1999 NBA Draft, Ekezie participated in NBA training camps the past two seasons with Atlanta Hawks and New Jersey Nets.

While attending the University of Maryland, Ekezie averaged 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, helping lead the Terps to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Ekezie enjoyed his best season as a junior for the Terrapins in 1997-98, averaging 12.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocked shots per game. During his college career, he also had the opportunity to play alongside future NBA players Steve Francis, Juan Dixon, Laron Profit, Lonnie Baxter, and former Riverdragon Terence Morris.

Ekezie will be in uniform for the Riverdragons in their next game, Thursday, December 2 as Columbus travels to take on the Florida Flame at the Germain Arena. He will wear uniform #14.

Lawson, a 6-11 center from Villanova University, appeared in four games for the Riverdragons, averaging 4.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocked shots in 16 minutes per contest. Lawson made three starts for Columbus, shooting 54% from the floor and 63% from the foul line.

Following last night's 94-93 win at Asheville, the Riverdragons (3-1) are currently tied for first place in the NBDL standing with the Roanoke Dazzle. Columbus continues its four-game road swing this Thursday, December 2 as the Dragons travel to take on the Florida Flame in the first of back-to-back games at the Germain Arena in Fort Myers. Following Thursday's match-up with the Flame at 7:30 p.m. EST, the Dragons and Flame will do battle on Friday, December 3 with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.. Both games can be heard live on WHAL 1460-AM, with the pre-game show starting at 7:15 p.m..

The Riverdragons return home on Sunday, December 5 to host the Roanoke Dazzle, opening a five-game homestand. Sunday's game will feature "Buy One-Get One Free Night", as fans who purchase a regularly priced ticket will receive a complimentary ticket of equal value. Game time is set for 6 p.m..

To purchase tickets for upcoming December home games visit the Columbus Civic Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, including Publix supermarkets, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-4-NBA-TIX, or log onto ticketmaster.com.

For additional information, please visit columbusriverdragons.com or contact Riverdragons Media Relations Manager Tim Becwar at (706) 225-1104 and tbecwar@nba.com. For additional information on the NBDL please visit NBDL.com.



NBA G League Stories from November 30, 2004


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