Madison Memorial alumnus Vander Blue has signed a conditional contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers Nation reports.
Blue, who graduated from Memorial in 2010 and played three years for Marquette, was just named the G-League MVP for 2016-17, as he averaged 24.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 35.1 percent from three-point range for the Los Angeles D-Fenders. He also performed well in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 50 percent from the field.
The Lakers only have one roster spot available, so Blue isn’t guaranteed a spot on the team once the season starts.
Chris Martin Palmer reports on Twitter that Blue is doing all he can to earn a spot on the roster, though, putting in three-a-day workouts in Miami.
Newest Laker Vander Blue celebrates his deal by starting three-a-day workouts in Miami. Pool work to increase that vert. “I’ll be so ready.” pic.twitter.com/hWCwllHug8
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) July 31, 2017
Blue then headed to the gym. This double team sideline drill is designed to work on ballhandling in tight spaces. Some tricky handles. pic.twitter.com/jdkuHO1aV6
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) July 31, 2017
Summer is about that work. One more Vander Blue workout video. pic.twitter.com/MwJdgINEkd
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) August 1, 2017
Blue went undrafted in 2013 but signed with the Houston Rockets for the Orlando Development League and the Memphis Grizzlies for the Las Vegas Summer League. He has since bounced around a number of teams developmental systems, working his way up to this, his first true NBA contract.
Blue helped the Madison Memorial Spartans to three straight State Finals from 2008-2010, winning it all in 2009.
