SALT LAKE CITY (March 6, 2015) – The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed forward Jerrelle Benimon of the Jazz’s NBA Development League affiliate, the Idaho Stampede, to a 10-day contract. Benimon becomes the NBA’s 43rd overall NBA D-League Call-Up of the 2014-15 season and the 32nd different player to be called up. Per team policy, financial terms were not released. Following the move, the Jazz roster now stands at 15 players.
Benimon (6-8, 245, Towson) appeared in 35 games (29 starts) for the Stampede this season, averaging 19.9 points (ninth in the D-League), 10.6 rebounds (sixth in the D-League), 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 34.9 minutes per contest. He is also shooting 62.4 percent from the floor this season, which ranks eighth in the D-League. Benimon recorded 19 double-doubles, including one triple-double (20 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists vs. Reno Bighorns on Nov. 28). He scored in double figures in 33 games, including 19 contests with 20-plus points and two games of 30-or-more points. Benimon was selected to the 2015 NBA D-League All-Star Team, and was also named to the Honorable Mention All-Showcase team earlier this season.
The 23-year-old forward attended 2014 training camp with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 2.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 8.1 minutes in six preseason games before being waived on Oct. 22.
A native of Warrenton, Va., Benimon played two seasons at Georgetown (2009-11) before transferring to Towson (2011-14). He was named Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year twice (2013, 2014), becoming just the eighth player in conference history to win back-to-back player of the year honors. Benimon also earned All-CAA First Team honors in 2013 and 2014 and was selected to the 2014 CAA All-Defensive Team. He was not selected in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Benimon becomes the 18th D-League Call-Up in Jazz history, and the seventh this season. He is the second call-up from the Stampede since the team became the Jazz’s direct affiliate prior to this season.
Benimon will wear uniform #22 for the Jazz.