A Couple Of Call-Ups
The second CBA-to-NBA promotion of the season turns a Sun King into a 76er.

Jonathan Roybal
MinorLeagueNews.com

12.10.03 - Boise, ID – With a recent rash of injuries depleting their roster of available players, the Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Zendon Hamilton from the Yakima Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association [CBA].

"Getting called-up is why we are all here,” stated Sun Kings Head Coach Bill Bayno. “Zendon was a tremendous asset to us both on the court and in the community. The fans loved him and we will miss him, but everyone is extremely excited for him.”

In 11 games (nine starts) with the Sun Kings, Hamilton averaged 20.0 points and 14.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 54.3 percent (63-116) from the field.

He led Yakima in rebounding in nine of twelve games, and also led the team in scoring on four different occasions.

On November 30, the St. John’s alum posted a season-high 30 points and 19 rebounds in a 121-112 victory over the Rockford Lightning.

Five nights later, in a 104-102 win over the Lightning in Yakima, he scored 29 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.

Hamilton’s call-up comes just two days after being named the CBA Player of the Week. He averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, while leading the Sun Kings to a 4-0 record, during that time.

Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach Randy Ayers is excited to bring in another player who is not afraid to do the ‘dirty work’.

“Based on all the information that we have gathered about him, he is the type of guy that we want in here, because of the fact that he will work hard every day, and try to make some hustle plays for us,” remarked Coach Ayers. “He is solid down low, knows how to defend, and knows how to play. He has been able to work hard in all the situations that he has been in.”

Hamilton has career NBA averages of 5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while playing with three different teams over three seasons.

The 6-foot-11, 240-pounder’s best NBA stint came during the 2001-02 season as a member of the Denver Nuggets.

In 54 games (15 starts) with the Nuggets, he averaged 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game with five double-doubles. Hamilton has also had brief stints with Toronto (2002-03) and the L.A. Clippers (2000-01).

Coach Ayers is hoping Hamilton’s enthusiasm can provide a spark for the 76ers. "Hustle plays are all we are asking from him," Ayers stated.

Bill Bayno believes that other players in the CBA can learn something from Hamilton.

“It is a great lesson for the players in the league that his promotion was based on his rebounding, his effort and his hustle,” said Coach Bayno. “Hopefully the league will enjoy more future success in its relationship with the NBA.”

This marks the second CBA-to-NBA call-up of the season, less than a month into the CBA’s 58th campaign.

Dakota Wizards forward Sean Lampley was signed by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors on 11/14/03, just hours before the 2003-04 CBA campaign tipped off.

Lampley, a second-round draft selection (45th overall) of the Chicago Bulls in the 2001 NBA Draft, played in 20 games for Saskatchewan during the 2001-02 season where averaged 16.2 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest and was named to the CBA All-Rookie Team.

He is the first player in the history of the Wizards organization to receive a call-up.

"We are extremely excited for Sean, the Dakota Wizards organization, and the CBA," stated Wizards Director of Player Personnel Casey Owens. "Once again, the CBA is a proven route to the NBA. We wish Sean the best, and hope he makes the most of this outstanding opportunity."

“Sean has worked hard the past two seasons, and the NBA has taken notice. His game, like many others in the CBA, is right at the NBA level. All he needed was an opportunity to showcase his skills"

Last season, Lampley appeared in 35 games with the Miami Heat, and averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The Heat released him during training camp this past October before he joined the Wizards.