The Los Angeles D-Fenders announced Friday that guard Vander Blue had been named to the 2016 NBA Developmental League All-Stars. He will be one of twenty-four prospects, including one of the 16 with NBA experience to be selected to play in the 10th NBA D-League All-Star Game.
Following the D-Fenders 99-90 win against the Oklahoma City Blue on Saturday, Blue spoke with LakersNation.com on being selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game:
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity. I’m kind of speechless thinking of the hard work I put in all summer, watching film every night, knowing there was a bigger picture,” Blue said. “It’s a blessing. I’m just grateful and thankful at the same time to just be in the conversation. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m blessed to be going two years in a row.”
A former member of the Los Angeles Lakers, Blue has been one of the best prospects in the D-League all season long. He is currently ranked the No. 10 overall prospect in the NBA Developmental League’s ‘Prospect Watch,’ as he’s averaging 24.5 points (second in D-League), 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game this season.
Not only did the Marquette product show he was All-Star worthy after finishing Saturday’s performance with a game-high 31 points, but he’s been doing it all season for the D-Fenders who improved to 15-14 on the season. The win against the Blue marked the 10th consecutive game that the former Laker scored over 20 points, which includes two 40-point performances.
Along with being thankful about his selection, Blue believes it is good for the Lakers organization that two D-Fenders (Justin Harper was named an All-Star as well) will be representing them in Toronto for All-Star Weekend because it shows they are producing good players, even at the D-League level. The 10th NBA D-League All-Star Game will be at 5:00 PM PST at Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 13 and will air live on NBA TV.
