TOROS SELECT ALONZO GEE WITH FIRST PICK IN 2009 NBA D-LEAGUE DRAFT
Six Toros Return, Allocated Players Include Curtis Jerrells and Roderick Riley

AUSTIN, TX November 5, 2009 - The Austin Toros selected forward Alonzo Gee with the 6th pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA D-League draft Thursday night. In his senior year at Alabama, the 6-6, 200 lb Gee averaged 15 points and seven rebounds in 32 games played.

Toros General Manager Dell Demps describes Gee as “a young man the Spurs really liked as a person and a player from our summer league team.” Demps added, “Gee is an athletic player that brings energy, toughness, and the ability to attack the rim. We are excited to bring him to the Austin community. Gee is a high flyer our fans are going to enjoy watching.”

The Toros also selected guard Russell Carter (6-4, 200 Notre Dame), guard Lewis Clinch (6-3, 195 Georgia Tech), forward Ira Brown (6-4, 200 Gonzaga), forward David McClure (6-6, 205 Duke), forward Quemont Greer (6-7, 240 DePaul), center Augustine Okosun (6-10, 230 Northwood University), and forward D’Mond Grismore (6-6, 220 Huston-Tillotson University).

Curtis Jerrells (Baylor) and Roderick Riley (Prairie View A&M) were allocated to the Toros earlier this week. Jerrells, 6-1, 200 lb, played four seasons at Baylor University. As a senior, he averaged a team-high 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists while starting in all 39 games for the Bears. He was selected to the All-Big 12 Third Team and was named to the 2009 NIT All-Tournament Team. Jerrells was signed by the San Antonio Spurs this summer. He appeared in five preseason games, averaging 3.6 points and 1.8 assists in 14.8 minutes.

“I had a chance to watch Curtis play throughout his college career and up close during the preseason in San Antonio,” said Toros Head Coach Quin Snyder. “His time with the Spurs should help him understand the areas of improvement that will help him realize his goals.”

Riley earned Second Team All-SWAC and Honorable Mention All-Conference during his collegiate career at Prairie View A&M University. Riley’s professional career includes time in the USBL, Ukraine, Germany, and the D-League with the Bakersfield Jam and Colorado 14ers.

Toros returning for the 2009-10 season include: forwards Justin Bowen and Ryan Bright; guards Fred Gibson, Carldell Johnson, and Jason Parker; and forward/center Dwayne Jones.

Jawan Bailey, a 6-8, 208 lb forward averaging 15.7 points and six rebounds at Incarnate Word last season, earned a training camp position through the Toros’ free agent tryout in October.

All players will report to Austin next week for training camp beginning November 13.

The Toros tip-off their fifth season on November 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. For ticket information, call the Toros office at (512) 236-8333 or visit austintoros.com.

-5 Years and Running Strong-