James Gist, the 57th selection in the 2008 draft, signed a contract Monday to play for Angelico Biella, according to the Italian League team's Web site.

Gist, 6-foot-9 and 235 pounds, played well for the Spurs' summer league team in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. However, he likely would have spent most of the season with the Spurs' D-League team in Austin had he signed an NBA contract. By playing in Italy, Gist can get significant playing time without costing the Spurs a roster spot.