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Australian center Will Magnay has completed a dream move from the Brisbane Bullets to the NBA and signed a two-way deal with New Orleans.
The 22-year-old Queenslander was one of four recruits confirmed by the Pelicans (AEDT) Thursday morning, along with center Ike Anigbogu, guard Tony Carr and forward Jarrod Uthoff.
The two-way deal means Magnay, who led the NBL as the league’s top player in blocked strokes last season, will split his time between New Orleans and their G-League partner, the Erie Bayhawks.
« I’m really looking forward to starting the next chapter of my career with the pelicans, » said Magnay.
« I would like to thank my (Brisbane) teammates and basketball fans for doing a great job of supporting and encouraging me.
Magnay is the second Bullets player in four years to be recruited by an NBA team and is following in the footsteps of Torrey Craig.
The Pelicans deal for Magnay was hailed as another milestone for the NBL as it seeks to establish itself as one of the world’s leading development leagues.
« Will is an amazing young talent and deserves this opportunity in New Orleans after a fantastic breakout season with the Bullets, » said NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.
« His signing is yet another endorsement from the NBL . . . and shows that the NBL is a legitimate path to the NBA. «
Magnay’s move comes after American couple LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton were selected in the first round of the NBA draft in November after serving in the NBL last season.
The reigning selection of Sydney Kings MVP and NBL All-First Jae’Sean Tate has signed with Houston where he will work with former Kings coach and new Rockets assistant Will Weaver.
Brisbane Bullets, National Basketball League, Sydney Kings, New Orleans Pelicans
World News – AU – Brisbane’s Magnay completes dream NBA train
Ref: https://7news.com.au