Kansas basketball fans heard more good news from the NBA Saturday. Former guard Wayne Selden has a new contract with Memphis.
Many Jayhawk fans including myself thought Wayne Selden should stay for another season of Kansas basketball. The 6-foot 5-inch Boston area native had a successful junior year for Bill Self. At times, Selden was unstoppable. As a result, he earned All Big-12 Second team honors.
As a matter of fact, without Selden, Kansas might not have had the big win over Kentucky? Selden’s Uncle Anthony, reacting to Wayne’s play, became a national TV and YouTube sensation during the 2016 Big-12 tournament.
I was not surprised when Selden was overlooked in the NBA draft. Several teams needed his help. They didn’t like Perry Ellis either and decided to shop elsewhere.
Selden decided to take his talent to the NBA Developmental League. There is certainly no shame in that. A positive attitude, coupled with hard work paid off. He averaged 18 points a game in the D-League assignment.
Memphis called him up in mid-March. Wayne made the very most of the opportunity. In addition, he even got some NBA playoff experience.
“The 22-year-old played in all six of the Grizzlies’ playoff games, starting two postseason contests, and averaging 3.8 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 17.7 minutes during Memphis’ first round series with the San Antonio Spurs,” according to a media release from the Grizzlies.
On Saturday, Selden signed a new multi-year contract with the Grizzlies.
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Memphis opens summer league play on July 8. Someone on the team must think a lot of the former Kansas basketball star. A photo of Selden is featured on the team web site announcing their summer league schedule.