Alonzo Gee wins 2009-10 D-League Rookie of Year award

Austin Toros guard Alonzo Gee, who ranked in the top 10 in the NBA D-League in regular season scoring, has been selected by the League’s 16 coaches as the NBA Development League’s 2009-10 Rookie of the Year.

“On behalf of the Toros and Spurs organizations, we are pleased and excited to have been able to share in Alonzo’s success this year. It has been a privilege to coach him,” said Quin Snyder, Toros head coach. “He has been relentless in his commitment to develop as a basketball player and most importantly, Alonzo is a great teammate. He is a young man that has had a positive impact on all of us, and we congratulate him on the award.”

In 36 games (35 starts) for Austin, Gee averaged 21.0 points, shooting 51 percent (269-of-528) from the field to go with 6.6 rebounds in 38.2 minutes. Gee helped Austin to a 31-18 record, good for second place in the Western Conference. He scored in double figures in 35 games this season, recording four double-doubles. He scored a season-high 34 points in a 127-94 win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce on Jan. 6 in Austin. A four-year standout at Alabama, Gee also participated in this year’s NBA D-League All-Star Game in Dallas, scoring 10 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out three assists in 17 minutes.

Currently with the Toros on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs, Gee earned two Call-Ups during the season, first to the Washington Wizards on March 7 and then to the Spurs on March 29. In 11 games with Washington, two as a starter, Gee averaged 7.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 16.5 minutes.

“A member of an impressive rookie class, Alonzo's contributions to the Toros success this season set him apart," said Alpert. "His exceptional work ethic and determination to improve, coupled with his tremendous talent have helped Alonzo rise to the top of his rookie class and earn GATORADE Call-Ups to the Wizards and Spurs. I congratulate Alonzo on this achievement, and look forward to watching his career progress."

Gee, who also earned All-NBA Development League Third Team honors, joins Utah Jazz guard/forward Othyus Jeffers (Iowa, 2008-09), Blake Ahearn (Dakota, 2007-08), Phoenix Suns forward Louis Amundson (Colorado, 2006-07), Detroit Pistons guard Will Bynum (Roanoke 2005-06), James Thomas (Roanoke 2004-05), Desmond Penigar (Asheville, 2003-04), Chicago Bulls guard Devin Brown (Fayetteville, 2002-03) and Fred House (Charleston, 2001-02) as winners of the annual award.