Hokie ClubFormer Virginia Tech guard Zabian Dowdell has signed a second 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns of the NBA.
Dowdell appeared in two games for the Suns during his first contract. He averaged 2.0 points and 1.5 assists per game. According to NBA rules, if a player is signed to a third contract, the player receives a prorated NBA minimum contract for the remainder of the season.
Dowdell, a 2007 graduate of Virginia Tech, was one of the final cuts of the Suns in the preseason and was playing for the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League prior to his call-up earlier this month. Dowdell started all of Tulsa’s first 18 games this season, leading the team to a Western 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.
Dowdell averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals in 122 games in his four seasons with the Hokies. As a senior, Dowdell led the Hokies in scoring with 17.4 points per game, earning All-ACC First Team and Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention honors. The Hokies advanced to the second round of the 2007 NCAA Tournament in his senior season.
Sports Illustrated published a story about Dowdell and his first NBA 10-day contract in its Jan. 31 issue. Here is a link to the article:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1181204/index.htm