Hokie ClubThe Phoenix Suns has signed former Virginia Tech guard ZabianDowdell of the Tulsa 66ers for the first GATORADE Call-Up of the 2010-11 NBADevelopment League season.
Dowdell, a 2007graduate of Virginia Tech, was one of the final cuts of the Suns in thepreseason and has been playing for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA DevelopmentLeague. Dowdellstarted all of Tulsa’s first 18 games this season, leading the team to aWestern Conference-best 12-6 record. Dowdell averaged team highs in points(14.5), assists (4.6) and steals (2.4) in 29.3 minutes per game. His stealsaverage currently ranks second in the league, and he's one of only two playersall season to have six steals in two separate games.
Dowdell averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0steals in 122 games in his four seasons with the Hokies. As a senior, Dowdellled the Hokies in scoring with 17.4 points per game, earning All-ACC First Teamand Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention honors. The Hokies advancedto the second round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament in his senior season.
Dowdell has joined the Suns and will be available when the teamhosts the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. ET tonight at the U.S. Airways Centerin Phoenix. The game will be televised nationally on NBA TV. NBA TV isavailable on cable systems and satellite television providers throughout thecountry. It is available on Channel 749 on Comcast cable in Blacksburg. Checkyour local systems for channel information.
Dowdell’s call-up increases the number of current NBA players withNBA D-League experience to 70.