The San Antonio Spurs have signed Stanley Umude, a Warren High School graduate, to a two-way contract, the team announced Wednesday. Umude, who played collegiate basketball at the University of Arkansas, will split time between the Spurs and their NBA G League affiliate, aiming to make an impact on the roster while continuing his development. This move underscores the Spurs’ ongoing commitment to nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds and expanding their depth for the upcoming season.
Spurs Inks Stanley Umude to Two-Way Contract Enhancing Roster Depth
The San Antonio Spurs have officially signed Stanley Umude to a two-way contract, marking a significant step in the development of their roster depth. A standout at Warren High School and a former Ole Miss star, Umude’s arrival brings a versatile wing player who has demonstrated his scoring ability and basketball IQ at every level. The two-way deal allows the Spurs to leverage Umude’s potential between the NBA and the G League, giving the team valuable flexibility as it prepares for a highly competitive season.
Known for his sharpshooting and defensive tenacity, Umude has impressed scouts with his ability to stretch the floor and contribute across multiple facets of the game. The Spurs’ coaching staff emphasized his work ethic and adaptability as key factors in their decision. Key expectations for Umude include:
- Perimeter shooting: Reliable option beyond the arc
- Defensive versatility: Capable of guarding multiple positions
- Offensive development: Improving playmaking inside transition
Below is a summary of Umude’s recent collegiate performance illustrating why San Antonio sees him as a valuable addition:
| Season | Points Per Game | 3P % | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 (Ole Miss) | 17.3 | 41.2% | 5.4 | 2.1 |
| 2021-22 (South Dakota) | 19.7 | 40.5% | 6.0 | 3.3 |
Warren Graduate Brings Versatility and Shooting Skills to San Antonio Lineup
Stanley Umude’s addition to the Spurs’ roster comes as a strategic move to bolster the team’s depth with a player known for his adaptability and sharpshooting. Having honed his skills at the University of Warren, Umude brings a unique blend of perimeter shooting and defensive tenacity that aligns well with San Antonio’s emphasis on versatility. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a valuable asset in both offensive sets and transitional play, providing crucial spacing for the Spurs’ dynamic ball handlers.
Beyond his shooting prowess, Umude’s work ethic and basketball IQ have already caught the coaching staff’s attention. His presence on a two-way contract allows the Spurs to seamlessly integrate him into both their G League affiliate and NBA lineup, ensuring continuous development. Key attributes that Umude brings include:
- Three-point accuracy: Consistently above 38% during his college career
- Defensive versatility: Ability to guard multiple positions effectively
- Playmaking skills: Strong passer and decision-maker under pressure
| Stat | College Average |
|---|---|
| 3P% | 39.2% |
| SPG (Steals Per Game) | 1.4 |
| Assist/Turnover Ratio | 1.9 |
Coaching Staff Emphasizes Development Plan to Maximize Umude’s Potential
The Spurs coaching staff has outlined a comprehensive development plan tailored to harness Stanley Umude’s unique skill set and elevate his game to NBA standards. Emphasizing a balanced approach, the plan focuses on enhancing his shooting consistency, defensive versatility, and court vision. Coaches believe that targeted training sessions combined with real-time game experience through the two-way contract will allow Umude to rapidly adapt to the professional level and contribute meaningfully to the team’s depth.
Key areas of focus under the development program include:
- Strength and Conditioning: Building stamina and agility to withstand the physical demands of the NBA season.
- Shot Mechanics: Refining form and release for improved efficiency beyond the arc.
- Defensive Footwork: Enhancing lateral quickness to guard multiple positions.
- Game IQ: Film study sessions to deepen understanding of offensive and defensive schemes.
| Aspect | Focus | Target Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Training | Strength & Conditioning | Improved endurance and injury prevention |
| Shooting | Mechanics & Release | Higher shooting percentage & confidence |
| Defense | Footwork & Positioning | Better defensive matchups and switches |
The Conclusion
As Stanley Umude embarks on this new chapter with the San Antonio Spurs, the team and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the Warren graduate transitions to the professional level. With a two-way contract providing opportunities in both the NBA and G League, Umude has a platform to showcase his skills and contribute to the Spurs’ ongoing development. This signing underscores the organization’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and adds another local story to the franchise’s evolving roster for the upcoming season.
