Kings sign second-round rookie Hassan Whiteside

The Sacramento Kings today signed rookie center-forward Hassan Whiteside to a contract, it was announced by Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Whiteside was Sacramento’s second round selection (33rd overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft out of Marshall University as an undergraduate.

Whiteside, an early entry candidate, was the 2010 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year after averaging 13.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and a Division I leading 5.35 blocks per game in 34 contests for Marshall. The 7-0, 235-pound center set school records for most blocks in a season and career with 182, the fourth highest season total in Division I history and the second most by a freshman. He led the nation in triple-doubles with three.

Whiteside also garnered the following honors: AP Honorable Mention All-American, Sporting News Second Team freshman All-American, Second Team All Conference USA, Conference USA All-Freshman Team and All-Defensive Team, Second Team NABC All-District 11.

Whiteside becomes just the second player from Marshall drafted by the Kings. Current New York Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni was selected by the Kings in the second round of the 1973 NBA Draft.

Author: Inside Hoops

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