Yancy Gates Turns Down Celtics Training Camp Invite, Will Sign With Lithuanian Team
Aug 16, 2012 10:15 PM EDT
Yancy Gates will begin his professional career in Lithuania.
“He passed up an opportunity to go to camp with the Boston Celtics,” Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said, “but because it was a non-guaranteed contract, he decided to go to Lithuania. He’s got guaranteed money. If he goes to Boston, and doesn’t make the team, now somebody else takes the job in Lithuania. He’s got a great contract.”
The 6-foot-9 Gates averaged 12.2 points on 47.4 percent shooting along with 8.9 rebounds during his senior season at Cincinnati.
“He’s still young,” Cronin said. “He’s 22 years old, so it’s a great opportunity. Many guys have taken that route. It’s a good chance for him to develop as a professional and get some money in the bank.”