The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
William Lee Accepts Invitation to 2018 NBA Summer League
7/2/2018 12:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men's basketball team will have another former great suit up during this year's 2018 NBA Summer League as William Lee has accepted an invitation to play with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lee joins former teammate Chris Cokley, who received an invitation to play with the Charlotte Hornets in June, as the only two Blazers competing in this year's competition
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Memphis Grizzlies have given me to continue playing the game that I love," Lee said. "Where I grew up, people don't get opportunities like this, so I am extremely blessed. I can't wait to get to work with my new team."
Lee used a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament to earn his spot on a summer-league roster, averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in three contests. His best game came in a 100-89 victory in the final contest of the tournament when he poured in 14 points and brought down nine boards.
During his Blazer career, the Selma, Ala., native racked up nine Conference USA awards, including back-to-back honors as the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016 and three consecutive appearances on the Conference USA All-Defensive Team.
He was dubbed the "Mayor of Blockingham" after recording a program-record 292 blocks in his career, with the record-setting swat coming on January 25th, 2018 to surpass the late Alan Ogg. He concluded his four years in the Green and Gold with 1,394 points, good for the 12th-most in program history, while his 845 boards ranks in the top-10 all-time.
"I am incredibly excited for William as he begins his professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies," head coach Robert Ehsan said. "What he was able to accomplish during his time at UAB was nothing short of outstanding. I know that he will do great things as a pro and I wish him the best of luck."
Lee and the Grizzlies kick off their 2018 NBA Summer League slate on Monday at 6 p.m. CST when the team squares off with the Atlanta Hawks at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fans can watch the game live on NBA TV.
Season tickets for the 2018-19 season are on sale now starting as low as $105. To purchase, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1.
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team follow the Blazers on Twitter and Instagram (@UAB_MBB).
Lee joins former teammate Chris Cokley, who received an invitation to play with the Charlotte Hornets in June, as the only two Blazers competing in this year's competition
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the Memphis Grizzlies have given me to continue playing the game that I love," Lee said. "Where I grew up, people don't get opportunities like this, so I am extremely blessed. I can't wait to get to work with my new team."
Lee used a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament to earn his spot on a summer-league roster, averaging 9.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in three contests. His best game came in a 100-89 victory in the final contest of the tournament when he poured in 14 points and brought down nine boards.
During his Blazer career, the Selma, Ala., native racked up nine Conference USA awards, including back-to-back honors as the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016 and three consecutive appearances on the Conference USA All-Defensive Team.
He was dubbed the "Mayor of Blockingham" after recording a program-record 292 blocks in his career, with the record-setting swat coming on January 25th, 2018 to surpass the late Alan Ogg. He concluded his four years in the Green and Gold with 1,394 points, good for the 12th-most in program history, while his 845 boards ranks in the top-10 all-time.
"I am incredibly excited for William as he begins his professional career with the Memphis Grizzlies," head coach Robert Ehsan said. "What he was able to accomplish during his time at UAB was nothing short of outstanding. I know that he will do great things as a pro and I wish him the best of luck."
Lee and the Grizzlies kick off their 2018 NBA Summer League slate on Monday at 6 p.m. CST when the team squares off with the Atlanta Hawks at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fans can watch the game live on NBA TV.
Season tickets for the 2018-19 season are on sale now starting as low as $105. To purchase, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at 205-975-UAB1.
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team follow the Blazers on Twitter and Instagram (@UAB_MBB).
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's BasketballUAB Baseball | The Quick Cut: at Alabama
Thursday, April 23
UAB Beach Volleyball | The Quick Cut: Blazer Beach Bash
Saturday, April 18
UAB Softball | The Quick Cut: Memphis Series
Thursday, April 09
UAB vs ECU Post Game Press Conference
Sunday, March 08
