NBA Call-Ups is delighted to bring you an exclusive interview with Selom Mawugbe of the Santa Cruz Warriors. The 22-year-old spent 4 years at Azusa Pacific University, an NCAA Division II institute. He now jumps up to the professional ranks for the first time for the 2021 G League bubble.
Mawugbe made 91 appearances, between 2016-20, for Azusa Pacific, holding career averages of 6.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. As a senior, the 6-foot-10 forward posted averages of 16.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks per contest.
In his senior year, he led the entire Division II in field goal percentage. This was with a conversation rate of 71.8%, and was second in blocks (91), and blocks per game (3.1).
This was as he was named the 2020 PacWest Player of the Year. In 2019, Mawugbe earned PacWest Defender of the Year honors. Upon graduating, in Biochemistry, he left as the school’s and conference’s all-time leading shot blocker (327).
In the 2021 NBA G League Draft, Mawugbe was selected with the 21st pick in the second round by the Santa Cruz Warriors. Santa Cruz are the affiliate team of the six-time NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors.
During training camp ahead of the G League bubble in Orlando, Selom Mawugbe speaks about life in the bubble, the essentials he’s packed, and his reaction to being selected in the draft by Santa Cruz.
Further topics include his time at Azusa Pacific, his development over his 4-year college career in Division II, being a student-athlete, and the new G League Ignite team. Plus much more.
You can watch and listen to the interview below. Please like the video and subscribe to the Call-Ups YouTube channel for more.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
G League Ignite put on a confident display to dispatch the Jeremy Lin-led Santa Cruz Warriors, 109-104.
The G League Ignite team have been diligently working the past number of months. Preparing themselves for competitive prime time games in the Orlando G League bubble. February 10 was the day when Head Coach Brian Shaw and Co. could finally show the world what his team of elite prospects and seasoned veterans could do.
Led by Jarrett Jack, who had 23 points on 90% shooting, Ignite at times looked very comfortable against a solid Santa Cruz Warriors team. Rookie Jonathan Kuminga scored 19 points, whilst converting 9-18 from the field.
“I wasn’t impressed because I see it everyday in practice. It’s what I expect, it’s what I see everyday,” Coach Shaw told reporters via Zoom post-game. “He does a lot of things for us, he’s a very talented player. You guys are just seeing the beginning of what he can do.”
Ignite started the game slowly but worked their way into the contest. Brandon Ashley, who had 17 points (7-12 FG), provided a flurry of key buckets. Kuminga was clearly up for the challenge and looked like a seasoned veteran as he bullied his way to the rim throughout.
The young small forward looked confident throughout and played with a sense of calm, allowing the game to come to him. Kuminga’s 4 assists added an extra wrinkle to his game that makes him an even more tantalizing prospect. Even more so if these high-level performances continue.
However, consensus top-3 pick Jalen Green struggled from the jump and had a poor first-half. One that included poor shooting, numerous turnovers, and passing up good opportunities in order to find better ones.
Guarding the young prospect was clearly a point of emphasis for Santa Cruz. As they threw numerous assignments at Green in order to restrict his involvement.
“I thought he was trying too hard, which is natural. Everybody’s gunning for him because of the attention that he’s gotten,” Shaw said. “I just want him to have fun and play the game. He’s competitive and he’ll figure it out. I fully expect for him to bounce back from today’s game.”
The Warriors opened the second quarter on a 12-0 run, which Ignite answered with an 11-0 run of their own. Ignite then pulled away from Santa Cruz and went into the locker room with a 15-point lead at the half, 65-50.
(Image/Juan Ocampo/NBAE)
In the second half, Green was able to enforce his will more and got into the flow of the game. Highlighted by a dunk on a bounce pass from fellow elite prospect Kuminga.
Green finished the game with a respectable 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. The young prospect more than likely won’t be happy with his output. But he certainly flashed his immense potential at times.
While Jarrett Jack was the best guard on the floor tonight, it was Daishen Nix who flashed lottery pick level talent throughout the contest. In what was a well-rounded performance from the Alaskan prospect.
Nix showed his basketball IQ and craftiness with some well-timed passes and hesitations that gave him an easy route to the basket repeatedly. His passing prowess was there for all to see. Even in limited minutes (19), Nix raised the game of every player on his team. This was through his intelligent play, screens, and movement off-ball.
Nix’s ability to see over the top of the defense was pivotal, constantly opting to make the right play. The Trinity International alum finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Brian Shaw was full of praise for rookie Nix in a post-game media availability, “Pairing him with Jarrett, I do that intentionally so that Jarrett can talk him through situations when they’re out there on the floor. They can play off one another.”
“Daishen just makes winning plays. What he does out there on the floor, I recognize it. It’s a lot of the intangible things. He’s just going to get better and better.”
Ignite led by as many as 20 points in the second half before a spirited effort from Santa Cruz made the game probably closer than it should have been.
Dusty Hannahs hit back-to-back threes with five minutes to go, to cut the lead to 8. The lead did shrink down to as much as 3, but a pair of deep twos from Jack sealed the win for the G League Ignite. The victory was further emphasized by a huge Kuminga block with mere seconds remaining.
“I love the fight that we showed the second half, especially in the fourth quarter,” Santa Cruz Head Coach Kris Weems said post-game. “We put together 3-4 stops at a time, and then we picked up energy. As that was happening, it carried over to the offensive end.”
Veteran Jeremy Lin finished the contest with 18 points for the Warriors, along with 5 assists. Guard Nico Mannion had 17 points and 6 assists, while assignment player Jordan Poole led the team with 22 points and 3 assists.
Coach Weems told reporters his thoughts on the performances of back-court-duo, Poole and Mannion, “Obviously, they scored the ball pretty well, but the efficiency wasn’t there. 13-for-40, that’s not going to get it done.”
“We talked about being more efficient as scorers and playmakers. They had 9 assists between them so that’s good. But we just got to have more efficient play, better shot selection, and of course, they got to continue to fight on the defensive end.”
Mannion, who’s a two-way rookie assignment for Santa Cruz, addressed the media post-game to speak about his performance, “It feels good to just play again. This is really my first full game since, I think, March 12th, so, of course there’s going to be bumps, first time playing. But, I take accountability for how I played.”
“I think I could be a lot better, I should be a lot better. We got down in the middle of the second quarter. Then we were just kind of battling uphill from then. We made a little push at the end, but I think all-around we’ll figure it out.”
Both teams are back in action on Friday, with G League Ignite set to face the Oklahoma City Blue at 3pm ET on ESPNU. Santa Cruz will take on the Delaware Blue Coats at 7pm ET on ESPN2.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
The Santa Cruz Warriors will look to build upon last year’s 21-21 record, which placed the team 7th in the Western Conference and 15th overall. Their offense scored the 7th fewest points per game in the league with a 112.6 offensive rating.
Defensively, they allowed the 11th fewest points per game to go along with a 114.4 defensive rating. The G League bubble will provide the new-look squad an opportunity to improve upon their standing a season ago.
Santa Cruz’s Young Stars:
Jordan Poole will look to lead the Warriors into the bubble. Appearing in only three G League games as a rookie, Poole spent the majority of his first season with the Golden State Warriors. The 2019 first round pick played an average of over 22 minutes per game across 57 games played. This season, his minutes have decreased to slightly under 10 minutes per game.
The assignment to the Santa Cruz Warriors will allow the 21-year-old to get some valuable playing time to further develop his skills. In a media availability on February 5, he described his prior experience with the team, “I was able to play with Coach Weems and the coaching staff last year for three games and it was fun. He does an amazing job.”
In the same availability, the Santa Cruz guard explained his approach to the bubble, “Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’ll do. I’m that type of player and that’s the type of player I’ve been my entire life. First and foremost, I want to go out there and I want to win,” Poole said.
A guard that will be sharing the floor frequently with Jordan Poole is rookie Nico Mannion. After an underwhelming one-and-done campaign at Arizona, Mannion was selected with the 18th pick of the second round in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Only appearing in a quarter of Golden State’s games this season, this G League stint will provide the rookie with more playing time. Thus, a greater opportunity to showcase his talent that ESPN touted as the 9th overall player in the 2019 high school class.
“[Poole and Mannion] have a lot of talent…and they provide some spacing. They both can shoot the ball. Both can play-make. They brought a different level of energy to practice and, hopefully, that carries over to the games,” Head Coach Kris Weems explained in what he has seen in Santa Cruz’s two young guards,
In a Zoom call with reporters on February 2, Coach Weems laid out his plans for their playing time, “I know for sure, both, Nico and Jordan will play a good amount of minutes, probably around the 30-minute mark.”
The Experience of the Santa Cruz Warriors:
Jeremy Lin‘s desire to return to the NBA has brought him to Santa Cruz, about nine years after the famed “Linsanity” streak for the Knicks. Coach Weems explained his perception of Lin, “What I notice now is maybe he doesn’t have the same athletic burst that he had a few years ago.”
“But, his pace, he never lets defenders speed him up, which is really important. It’s something that, both, Nico and Jordan need to learn. He’s already shown we can trust him with the ball,” Weems said.
Lin last played for the Beijing Ducks in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) passed on significant offers in China to pursue NBA return through G League which begins Wednesday, says in @Stadium sitdown: “People think I’m crazy. There are definitely thoughts and fears I’ll always have to fight.” Also: Lessons from Linsanity. pic.twitter.com/eJ5djUxfn7
Additionally, Dusty Hannahs is an elite floor spacer who is entering his fourth G League season. Hannahs averaged 21.4 points per game last year, which was top ten in G League scoring per game. Hannahs nearly achieved the prolific 50-40-90 shooting percentages a season ago.
More specifically, the sniper shot 46.9% from the field, 44.8% from three on over 7 attempts per game and 91.5% from the line. Coach Weems displayed excitement when describing Hannahs.
“Dusty is one of the best shooters in the G League the last couple years. He’s really learned how to put the ball on the floor, and he can play-make some.”
It will be interesting to see how teams decide to guard the Santa Cruz Warriors with their numerous highly-skilled guards. An underappreciated player that will be vital to the team’s success is Axel Toupane. As one of the few wings on the roster, Toupane will be relied upon often.
“He’s got 10 or 11 years experience as an overseas professional as well as playing a couple years off-and-on in the NBA and in the G League,” Coach Weems said to reporters.
Toupane previously played in the G League from 2015-17 for Raptors 905, where he was named 2015-16 G League Most Improved Player.
In a media availability on February 5, Kris Weems provided detail into the forward’s playstyle, “He can shoot the three, I think he’s better from the corners. Where I’ll try to utilize him most is in transition. Throw the ball ahead to him and let him create. He’s an unselfish guy, but he can finish.”
Santa Cruz’s Near Future:
The G League Warriors have a chance of receiving reinforcements once the season has started. As Coach Weems gave an update on Alen Smailagic on February 2.
“Alen’s going to take a little bit longer as he’s still recovering from his knee surgery. He’s getting back on the court. I know he did this week. I’m not going to put a timeline on it because I’m not sure,” Weems said.
“I haven’t consulted with the medical staff, but hopefully, in the next couple weeks as we get him ramped up, he’ll be able to play and contribute to the team as well.”
The Santa Cruz Warriors will get their season underway on February 10 versus the G League Ignite. The game will be live on ESPN2 at 11:00 am EST. This will be the first game of the G League bubble and an entertaining initial test for each team.
Ignite are loaded with young stars, such as Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga. The squad also features veterans, including Amir Johnson and Jarrett Jack, to mentor the future NBA talent. Santa Cruz rookie Nico Mannion, was asked about the new pathway in a media availability on February 5,
“I really respect what those guys are doing, taking a different route, a route less travelled, and making the best of it. I really respect what they’re doing and I’ve played against I think pretty much almost all of them. All the young guys on that team, whether it’s through high school or AAU, and they’re all great players. So props to them and I respect that route that they chose.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
Former NBA point guard Jeremy Lin has agreed to a deal with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the team has confirmed. Santa Cruz are the G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors.
This move had been a number of weeks in the making, as Lin had planned to sign with the Golden State Warriors. However, the Warriors didn’t receive Lin’s Letter of Clearance from FIBA on time. This led to a delay in proceedings.
The 32-year-old spent the 2019-20 season playing in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Beijing Ducks. Where he averaged 22.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, on 49.1% shooting. From 3-point land he shot at a 33.8% rate.
(Image/Fred Lee/Getty Images)
He had initially agreed to a move that would allow him to be signed and waived by the Warriors, through an Exhibit-10 contract, so that he could land with Santa Cruz. Which he has ended up doing anyway, through the new NBA veteran exception rule.
The former Knicks standout joins Santa Cruz in the hope of resurrecting his once-promising NBA career. He will join the team in an Orlando-based bubble that commences on February 9. The bubble will be based in Disney World, on the same campus that the end of the 2019-20 NBA season took place
The Return of Linsanity?:
Most NBA fans will remember Lin from his time with the New York Knicks when “Linsanity” was born. During a six-game span in 2012, he exploded for an average of 26.8 points and 8.5 assists. This short span catapulted Lin into worldwide fame and created the well-renowned phrase.
The 6-foot-3 guard has had a healthy NBA career to date, but was never able to recreate the perfect storm that occurred in New York. Aside from the Knicks, Lin has also featured for the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, and Brooklyn Nets.
His return to the Warriors, where his career in the NBA started, is a bittersweet moment. In addition, it marks a homecoming for the 2019 NBA Champion.
Lin was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. He played high-school basketball at Palo Alto High school, before playing at the college level with Harvard. He holds the illustrious honor of being the first American, of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, to play in the NBA.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
Many G League players get called up to the NBA and make an impact. One of the newer names on that list is 26-year-old shooting guard Mychal Mulder of the Golden State Warriors.
Mulder spent four years in college. The first two with Vincennes University, before transferring over to the Kentucky Wildcats for the final two. In his final season in Kentucky, he averaged 4.7 points and 1.5 rebounds, in 10.6 minutes per game.
It was time for Mulder to take his talents to the professional ranks, but he went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Ultimately, he opted to enter the G League Draft, where he was selected with the 9th overall pick by the Windy City Bulls.
(Image/Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)
As a rookie in the G League, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals, through 48 games. Shooting at a 41.8% rate from the field and 32.8% from 3. However, it was in his second season with the Bulls where a reputation started to build.
In the 2018-19 G League season, Mulder averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His shooting from the field increased to 46%. Although, his 3-point shooting ballooned to 41.2%. This placed him joint-5th in the entire league in 3-pointers made (135).
Following his impressive sophomore campaign, Mulder was invited to the NBA G League Elite Camp. Which led to him signing with the Miami Heat on an Exhibit-10 deal ahead of the 2019-20 season. He did get waived in October 2019 and joined the Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Over the course of the past season, while only playing 0.3 minutes more than the previous campaign, Mulder’s points per game average shot up to 17. Alongside 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. While his shooting numbers dipped ever-so-slightly, he still shot at an impressive 39.9% from beyond the arc. From the field, 45.1%. The 26-year-old led the G League in both 3-point attempts (381) and shots made (152).
On February 27, 2020, Mulder’s NBA opportunity came as the Golden State Warriors signed him to a 10-day contract. In that time, he featured in 6 games. Lighting up for a career-high 18 points in a 118-114 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. In the game, he shot 50% from the field and 42.9% from 3. He also had impressive showings against the Phoenix Suns (15 points), Washington Wizards (17 points), and Denver Nuggets (15 points).
The Warriors signed Mulder to a second 10-day contract. However, he only featured in one game due to the NBA suspension. This was against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he struggled, shooting 1-9 from the field for a total of 3 points. Upon the expiry of his contract, Golden State snapped up his services on a multi-year deal.
Over the course of his two 10-day contracts, Mulder averaged 11 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. On 38% shooting from the field and 30.8% from 3.
(Image/Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
As per Hoops Hype, the deal runs throughout next season ($1.5 million), and into the 2021-22 campaign ($1.7 million) too. Except for the remainder of the current season (if a second NBA bubble comes to fruition), the rest is non-guaranteed, on a team option basis.
The Warriors clearly want to get back into contention quickly once Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson regain their health. Then there’s the topic of the potential number 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. For the time being, Mulder is a cheap productive option for the team. He could even very well be a solid bench piece on a contender too.
At the age of 26, there’s probably not much more left in terms of his ceiling. But Mulder is a player that very well suits the modern NBA. He’s a sharpshooter that can light-up from beyond the arc on any given night. His overall shooting statistics, to date, with the Warriors may not show that. Just look at his outings against the Suns (37.5% 3P), Wizards (42.9% 3P), Nuggets (50% 3P), and 76ers (42.9% 3P).
At times he really does show Steph Curry/Klay Thompson-esque flashes of excellence. With a smooth, quick release, his shooting mechanics are very pleasing on the eye. Maybe he could be the 3rd splash brother?
He doesn’t necessarily need the ball in his hands, he can work well off the ball and drift into open space, draining the 3-ball as and when required. The ability is there, however, to create looks on his own accord. Whether it be through mid-range shots off the dribble or by driving and converting at the rim.
He can hold his own defensively as well. When playing against the Phoenix Suns on March 1, Mulder held Devin Booker to 0-4 shooting on shots he contested.
With Mychal Mulder’s contract with the Golden State Warriors not guaranteed for next season, he will have an anxious wait to see where his future lies. Especially with the Warriors not being part of the NBA’s Orlando restart. However, he may get another opportunity to showcase his ability if the NBA opts for a second bubble for the teams at the foot of the league.
Either way, Mulder put everything on the table when his NBA opportunity presented itself, impressing many. Obviously including those from within the Warriors organization, but potentially from other NBA onlookers.
Call-Ups brings you an interview with forward Roger Moute a Bidias of the Santa Cruz Warriors. Santa Cruz are the G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors.
Roger speaks about his upbringing and how his brother Luc Mbah a Moute impacted his basketball aspirations. Along with his career to date through college, and in the professional ranks.
Additional topics include Roger winning the 2019 G League championship with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. As well as connecting with Stephen Curry during his rehab assignment with Santa Cruz.
The growth of the G League over recent years and the exposure that the elite prospects will bring is also discussed.
You can watch and listen to the interview below. Please like the video and subscribe to the Call-Ups YouTube channel for more.
Miami Heat rookie, Kendrick Nunn, has certainly grabbed his NBA opportunity with both hands. However, it’s been a long and winding road for the 24-year-old.
After being dismissed from the Illinois basketball team as a junior in college, Nunn transferred to the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. But was red-shirted for the 2016/17 season.
The following season, Nunn averaged 25.9 points per game. Placing him second in NCAA Division 1 scoring, behind Trae Young. Impressively he led the nation in 3-point percentage (39.4%).
Despite his emphatic season, the 5th year senior fell undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. Nunn then joined the Golden State Warriors for summer camp, who declined to pick him up. A season in the G League awaited for the 2018-19 campaign.
(Image/Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports)
Nunn represented Golden State’s affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. Where he erupted for 19.3 points per game on the season. Along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. He shot 47.3% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point land. The 23-year-old played in 49 contests for Santa Cruz, only starting in 1 of those.
In his final game, he scored 30 points on 14-20 shooting against the Agua Caliente Clippers. As the team finished the season with an impressive 34-16 record. Although, they lost in the G League Western Conference Finals to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. In the postseason, Nunn averaged 30 points per game, on a 75% conversion rate from downtown.
After leading Santa Cruz in scoring (948), steals (71), field goals made (375), 3-point field goals made (84), and free-throws made (114), the Miami Heat swiftly signed Nunn upon the conclusion of the G League season.
In his first 3 games for the Heat in the 2019/20 preseason, Nunn was averaging 7.2 points per game. In the preseason finale against the Houston Rockets, Nunn posted a huge 40-point game. The highest individual scoreline by the Heat player in a preseason game in 20 years.
This earned him a start in the season opener, against the Memphis Grizzlies. Where he dropped 24 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. His performances in the first week of the season, where he was averaging 22.3 points, saw him receive an NBA Player of the Week nomination. Numerous records followed.
His 112 points through the first 5 games of the season, was the most points scored in as many games by an undrafted player. That point total was the most recorded by a rookie, period, since Kevin Durant in 2007 (113).
Nunn was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November and on December 10, scored a career-high 36 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. After 31 games, Nunn became the fastest rookie in franchise history to record 500 points.
The 24-year-old went onto win Rookie of the Month awards for December 2019 and January 2020. Joining Caron Butler as the only Heat players to win the award multiple times. Nunn then went onto play in the Rising Stars Game at the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. Where he represented Team USA, recording 16 points.
At the time of the COVID-19 suspension, Kendrick Nunn was averaging 15.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. On 44.8% shooting, 36.2% from 3. He has started in all 62 of his season appearances, as the Heat sit 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 41-24 record.
When on the court, the Miami Heat covert 113.2 points per 100 possessions. Additionally, with Nuss, the team has a 55.7% effective field goal rate (91st percentile). All statistics are from Cleaning the Glass.
Nunn’s impact on the Heat is clear to see. His rise and success to date has been nothing short of remarkable. Especially as an undrafted prospect that many teams overlooked.
Kendrick Nunn’s success story is proof that grinding it out in the G League, for a single moment of recognition, can lead to a team acquiring a solid contributor on an NBA roster.
We’re delighted to bring you an interview with the President of the Santa Cruz Warriors, Chris Murphy. You can check out the interview below.
Chris speaks about his role within the organisation, Santa Cruz’s priorities as a G League franchise, constructing a roster, NBA call-ups, and Santa Cruz’s relationship with the Golden State Warriors.
Additionally, Chris talks about Stephen Curry’s injury rehab assignment, the success of the franchise since it’s formation in 2012, and the G League’s current growth period.
Thank you to Chris for speaking to me and thank you to the Santa Cruz organisation for arranging it.
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Call-Ups, Providing Coverage of G League Ignite 