Full Name: Jason L. Lawson
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 6-11 / 241
Birthdate: September 2, 1974 (Philadelphia, PA)
High School: Olney HS (Philadelphia, PA)
College: Villanova

BACKGROUND

Spent the summer of 2003 in the USBL with the Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs, averaging 3.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in four games. Finished the 2002-03 season with Orleans in the French Pro B league, averaging 8.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in seven games. Started 2002-03 in Greece with Panionios, but left after one game. Played the 1998-99, 1999-00, and 2001-02 seasons in the CBA with the Grand Rapids Hoops. In 2001-02, appeared in 34 games (starting eight), and averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. In 1999-00, started 49 of 56 games and averaged 9.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. Ranked third in the league in field goal percentage and second in blocked shots. Earned all-league Defensive Team honors. In 1998-99, started 13 of 23 games and averaged 7.7 points and 8.9 rebounds. Played the 2000-01 season in the French Pro A league for Pau-Orthez, averaging 11.1 points and 7.0 rebounds in 22 games. Started professional career in the NBA with the Orlando Magic. Averaged 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 4.7 minutes a contest. Played in 17 games. Scored a season-high six points at San Antonio and grabbed season-high six rebounds at Cleveland. Selected by the Denver Nuggets in the second round (#42 pick overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft. Draft rights traded to the Orlando Magic.

College Highlights: Posted career averages of 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.87 blocked shots per game. Started in 131 consecutive games in his four-year career. Named Big East Defensive Player of the Year as a senior after recording 105 blocked shots, setting a Villanova single-season record. Career total of 375 blocked shots placed him third all-time in Big East history at the time of graduation. Named Second Team All-Big East his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. Earned a spot on the Big East All-Rookie Team as a freshman.