Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Magic ink ex-St. Joe's star to extension

-Courtesy of the Orlando Magic

Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic have signed guard Jameer Nelson to a multi-year contract extension, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Jameer (Nelson) is a key part of our foundation,” said Smith. “He is a tremendous leader, both on and off the court, and he will continue to improve as we strive to reach our ultimate goal. We look forward to watching Jameer develop in a Magic uniform for many years to come.”

Nelson (6’, 190, 2/9/82) has played in 218 regular games during his NBA career, all with Orlando, averaging 11.9 ppg., 4.0 apg., 2.8 rpg. and 1.01 stlpg. in 26.3 minpg. He also appeared in four playoff games last season, averaging 14.3 ppg., 3.3 apg. and 3.0 rpg. in 32.3 minpg.

Originally selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by Denver, Nelson was acquired by the Magic on draft night (Jun. 24, 2004) in exchange for a future first round draft pick. Nelson was named to the 2004-05 NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Nelson spent four seasons at Saint Joseph’s University, averaging 16.8 ppg., 5.7 apg., 4.6 rpg. and 2.05 stlpg. in 125 career games. He left as the school’s all-time leader in points (2,094), assists (713) and steals (256). Following his senior season (2003-04), Nelson was the consensus National Player of the Year, earning the Associated Press, Naismith, Rupp, Robertson and Chevrolet Player of the Year awards. He also shared the NABC top player award with Connecticut’s Emeka Okafor. In addition, Nelson was selected as a unanimous First Team All-America by the Associated Press, named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and captured the Francis Pomeroy Naismith Award, signifying the top player in the country 6-feet and under. Nelson had his jersey number 14 retired by the Hawks on April 23, 2004.

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