D-Fenders acquire James Southerland

The Los Angeles D-Fenders have acquired forward James Southerland by way of a successful waiver claim, it was announced today by General Manager Nick Mazzella.

Southerland (6’8” / 215) was recently waived by the Charlotte Bobcats after appearing in one game this season.  An undrafted rookie out of Syracuse University, Southerland took part in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors before joining the Bobcats.

The New York native spent four seasons at Syracuse, posting career averages of 7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds in 112 games.  Southerland helped the Orangemen reach four straight NCAA Tournaments in his career, including a Final Four appearance last season.  His best season came during his senior campaign where he averaged career-best marks in points (13.3), rebounds (5.2), steals (1.4), assists (1.1) and three-point field goal percentage (39.8).  Southerland tied a Syracuse single-game school record with nine three-pointers as he scored a career-high 35 points at Arkansas on November 30, 2012.  Additionally, Southerland was named to the 2013 Big East All-Tournament Team after setting a tournament record with 17 three-pointers.