G League Austin Spurs

Toros Announce 2005-06 Draft Selections

November 3, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Austin Spurs News Release


AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 3, 2005 - The Austin Toros selected Jamar Smith with their first pick (8th overall) in the 2005-06 NBA Development League draft. A 6-9, 239 pound forward from Pine Hill, N.J., Smith finished his college career at the University of Maryland scoring in double figures 29 times and posting 11 career double-doubles.

"I was surprised that we were able to get a player like Jamar so late in the first round," said Toros head coach Dennis Johnson. "He is a blue-collar player that can shoot and rebound the ball. We are excited that he was around at the number eight position and look forward to him joining our squad."

Smith competed two seasons with the Terrapins averaging 9.6 points and 6.5 rebounds throughout his career. As a senior, he started all 32 games and averaged 13.1 points and 8.8 rebounds. He completed his collegiate career as the team's leader in rebounds and ranked second in scoring

Former University of Georgia guard Erza Williams was selected by the Toros in the second round. At 6-4 and 235 pounds, Williams is no stranger to the D-League. During the 2003-04 season, Williams competed with the Columbus Riverdragons where he averaged 11.4 points and shot an impressive .478 percent from the field, connecting on 11-of-23 baskets, in 11 games of play.

"Overall I am very pleased with our draft selections. We had a lot of positions to fill and the draft pool contained a lot of talented players. I am proud of our choices and can't wait to get started on Nov. 5," said Coach Johnson.

Toros preseason training camp begins Sunday, Nov. 5 at Clay Madsen Recreation Center located at 1600 Gattis School Rd. Each team will make their first cuts down to 12 by Nov. 10 and final cuts to 10 will be announced by Nov. 17.

Additional 2005 Toros draft selections include: Jeff Hagen (Minnesota), Ryan Forehan-Kelly (California), Neil Finngleton (Holy Cross), Marcus Moore (Washington State), Ben Adams (New Orleans), Ray Young (UCLA), Corey Williams (Alabama St.), and Anthony Lever-Pedroza (Oregon).

The Toros inaugural home opener is Saturday, Nov. 26 against the Fayetteville Patriots at 7:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. The regular season tips off Friday, Nov. 25 against the Arkansas RimRockers in Little Rock. For ticket information, log on to austintoros.com or call the Toros ticket office at (512) 236-8333.

Following are the results of the Toros 2005 NBA Development League draft selections:

1. Jamar Smith, Maryland

2. Ezra Williams, Georgia

3. Jeff Hagen, Minnesota

4. Ryan Forehan-Kelly, California

5. Neil Fingleton, Holy cross

6. Marcus Moore, Washington State

7. Ben Adams, New Orleans

8. Ray Young, UCLA

9. Corey Williams, Alabama State

10. Anthony Lever-Pedroza, Oregon

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