The first 2016 NBA Summer League session began in Orlando on Saturday, and Brandon Paul got off to a hot start during his debut with the Charlotte Hornets. While playing in over 33 minutes, the former Fighting Illini guard tallied 16 points and 4 rebounds on 5-11 shooting (1-2 3PT). Despite the effort, Charlotte ultimately fell to the Orlando Magic's White squad by a final of 79-74.
Brandon Paul with the buckets! #HornetsSummer https://t.co/jouC99Lzej
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 2, 2016
Brandon Paul with that hustle #HornetsSummer https://t.co/8zmgwq0yt9
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 2, 2016
Paul started for the Hornets alongside Aaron Harrison (Kentucky), Gabe York (Arizona), DeShaun Thomas (Ohio State), and Mike Tobey (Virginia). Highlights of the game can be found right here. Charlotte's next tilt against the Indiana Pacers is scheduled for Sunday, July 3 at 12:00pm CT; you'll be able to watch the action live on NBATV.
It's also worth mentioning that former Illinois center Nnanna Egwu is participating in Summer League for the second-straight year, and he suited up for the Magic in this contest. He logged 4 points and 3 rebounds in just over 15 minutes of play.
Illinois Fighting Illini Links
- The Longest Road: Clayton Fejedelem's unusual path (USA Today)
Former Illinois defensive back and Cincinnati Bengals rookie Clayton Fejedelem has defied all odds to make it to the NFL, betting on himself all the way to Paul Brown Stadium.
- Fighting Illini raise over $21,000 at 2016 Lift for Life (TCR)
Illinois football Uplifting Athletes held their 2016 Lift for Life event at Memorial Stadium on Friday night, and an incredible $21,735 was raised in support of acoustic neuroma research. Illinois began partnering with the project in 2012 after this rare disease cost former offensive lineman Andrew Carter his college career.