Two Former Red Raiders Secure NBA Contracts
Tariq Owens has been seeing a lot of success in the NBA G-League this season. In 23 games, Owens is averaging 10 points, 8 boards and more than a block and a half per game for the NAZ Suns.
Matt Mooney has also enjoyed success this season playing with the Memphis Hustle, scoring 12 points per game and nearly five assists a contest. The success of both men have them in positions to get time in the NBA this season.
Firstly, Tariq Owens locked in a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns haven't made a roster move to make room for Owens yet, but the two-way contract protects him from being poached from the NAZ Suns. On the two-way contract, Owens is eligible to play up to 24 days with the NBA club. Though he'll likely spend the majority of his time with the G League.
Meanwhile, Matt Mooney got a 10-day contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mooney spent time with the Atlanta Hawks in the Summer League before heading to the Memphis Hustle. Now, he's headed to Cleveland where he'll get his shot in the NBA.
The contract basically equates to three games, so Mooney will need to make an impression to be able to stick around in Cleveland.
Cavaliers coach John Beilein last saw Mooney help the Red Raiders dominate his Michigan Wolverines last year in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.