Nick Kendall
Staff Writer
nkendall1@murraystate.edu
The Memphis Grizzlies G-League affiliate—the Memphis Hustle— has signed former Murray State shooting guard Shaq Buchanan to his first NBA contract.
Buchanan’s signing was announced on Thursday, Oct. 17. The terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
After hearing the news, Head Coach Matt McMahon was one of the first to post the message on social media.
Congrats to 2019 1st Team All-OVC, OVC Defensive Player of the Year, & Murray State Graduate, Shaq Buchanan, on signing his contract with the @nbagleague’s Memphis Hustle!#RacerTradition ??? https://t.co/jvcbKwCvlt
— Matt McMahon (@CoachMcMahon) October 17, 2019
Along with the defensive player of the year award, Buchanan ended his college career with 722 points scored, 110 career steals and 63 starts in his 65 career games.
He also led the Racers in steals in both seasons on the team; he record 50 his junior year and 60 his senior year.
Buchanan’s performance in the NBA Summer League really impressed the Grizzlies front office according to a tweet from Grind City Media Senior Editor Michael Wallace.
Shaq, a teammate of Ja Morant at Murray State, is back and scheduled to practice with @memgrizz in San Antonio today. He impressed front office and Jenkins during summer league stint. Another development priority for @MemphisHustle pipeline. https://t.co/pDvE0MiQ6U
— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) October 17, 2019
Buchanan has also taken to social media to express his gratitude. “Still can’t believe it,” “Blessed” and “I got us” are just a couple things the former Racer has tweeted.
Blessed?? https://t.co/sOheBudm0G
— shaq (@ShaqLeroy) October 17, 2019
Catch Buchanan on ESPN+ when the Hustle begins its season at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Landers Center for a matchup against the Texas Legends.