Former
University of Cincinnati forward Yancy Gates signed a contract with Pieno
Zvaigzdes Pasvalys and will begin his professional career in Lithuania.
“He passed up an opportunity to go to camp
with the Boston Celtics, but because it was a non-guaranteed contract, he
decided to go to Lithuania. He’s got a great contract,” the player’s former
coach Mick Cronin told Cincinnati.com.
Cronin
also revealed that playing in Lithuania could be a good step for Gates to get
closer to the NBA in the future.
“He’s
still young. 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,” said the specialist.
During
his senior year in University of Cincinnati, Gates averaged 12.2 points and 8.9
rebounds per game in the Big East conference in the NCAA.
