Magic Sign Free Agent Keyon Dooling
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Keyon Dooling, President/CEO Bob Vander Weide announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
“Keyon (Dooling) brings additional athleticism to our team,” said Assistant General Manager Otis Smith. “He adds the depth we needed in our backcourt and even more versatility to our roster. We’re happy to add Keyon to our team.”
Dooling (6’3”, 195, 5/8/80) played in 74 games last season with Miami, averaging 5.2 ppg., 1.8 apg. and 1.2 rpg. in 16.0 minpg. He also appeared in all 15 playoff outings with the Heat, averaging 7.3 ppg., 1.7 apg. and 1.1 rpg. in 17.6 minpg., while shooting 49.4 percent (43-87) from the field. Dooling led the Heat in scoring once and in assists four times during the regular season.
“Signing Keyon (Dooling) gives us size at the guard position and helps solidify our backcourt,” said Head Coach Brian Hill. “He brings experience and athleticism to our team and we are proud to have him as part of the Magic family.”
Originally selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 2000 NBA Draft by Orlando (his draft rights were traded along with Corey Maggette, Derek Strong and future considerations to the L.A. Clippers in exchange for a future first round pick), Dooling has appeared in 277 regular season games during his NBA career with the L.A. Clippers and Miami, averaging 5.8 ppg., 1.9 apg. and 1.2 rpg. in 16.9 minpg.
Dooling played two seasons at the University of Missouri before becoming an early entry candidate for the 2000 NBA Draft. He played in 58 career outings for the Tigers, averaging 12.1 ppg., 3.4 apg. and 2.4 rpg. in 28.1 minpg. As a sophomore (1999-2000), Dooling led Missouri in scoring, assists and blocked shots, and was named Second Team All-Big XII.
Guard will also tape Read To Achieve “Storyline” during first trip to Orlando on Thursday
In addition, Dooling will tape the Magic’s Read To Achieve “Storyline” on Thursday. Children can call (407) 916-4ABC to hear a recording of a Magic personality reading a book each month. In its fourth year of existence, the NBA’s Read to Achieve program reaches an estimated 50 million children a year. The program is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. Locally, the Orlando Magic have donated more than 17,000 books and impacted students in six counties.
For Orlando Magic ticket information, call (407) 89-MAGIC or log on to orlandomagic.com.
