Former Niigata Albirex BB power forward Zach Andrews was named to the Los Angeles Lakers training camp roster, the Sacramento (California) Bee reported on Friday.
Andrews, a 206-cm Bradley University product, made eight starts for the Lakers' NBA Development League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, and averaged 11.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists since the D-League season began in late November. The D-Fenders are coached by Eric Musselman, the ex-Sacramento Kings bench boss.
The 26-year-old Andrews averaged 11.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 42 games in 2010-11 for the Albirex, according to asia-basket.com.
In an interview with the Sac Bee's Ailene Voisin in October, Andrews summed up his desire to reach the NBA and his passion for basketball this way:
"No one would dive for more loose balls or hustle more than I would. . . . I really hope I just get the opportunity. Just an opportunity."