The NBA today announced that San Antonio Spurs guard Gary Neal was named to the NBA’s 2010-11 All-Rookie First Team. Joining Neal on the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team is L.A. Clippers forward Blake Griffin, Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins, Washington guard John Wall and New York guard Landry Fields.
Gary Neal becomes the second undrafted rookie to make the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team in league history.
Neal becomes the second undrafted rookie to make the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team in league history, joining Jorge Garbajosa who earned the honor in 2006-07 with the Toronto Raptors.
Overall, only 10 undrafted rookies have been named to either a first or second All-Rookie team in history. Neal is the fifth Spur, and the first since Tony Parker in 2001-02, to be named to the All-Rookie First Team. This marks the ninth time in team history that San Antonio has placed a player on any All-Rookie team.
Neal appeared in 80 games, averaging 9.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.1 minutes. He shot .451 (285-of-632) from the field, .419 (129-of-308) from three-point territory and .808 (84-of-104) from the free throw line.
Neal became just the sixth undrafted rookie in NBA history to participate in the Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend, where he finished the night with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. In the playoffs, he appeared in all six games, averaging 7.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes.
In Game 5 against Memphis, Neal hit a three-pointer as time expired to send the game into overtime, a game the Spurs went on to win 110-103.
From Spurs World, congratulations Gary Neal for being named to the All-Rookie First team. I’m sure Spurs fans are glad knowing that you get the recognition you truly deserve.
Here is a complete list of Spurs players that was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie teams:
| Season | Player | Team |
| 2010-11 | Gary Neal | First Team |
| 2009-10 | DeJuan Blair | Second Team |
| 2002-03 | Manu Ginobili | Second Team |
| 2001-02 | Tony Parker | First Team |
| 1997-98 | Tim Duncan | First Team |
| 1989-90 | David Robinson | First Team |
| 1989-90 | Sean Elliott | Second Team |
| 1988-89 | Willie Anderson | First Team |
| 1987-88 | Greg Anderson | Only one team |
I couldn’t be happier for him, keep shooting those 3′s, you rock Gary Neal!
Congrats Mr. Gary Neal! You deserve this!
Pop should give him more minutes next season behind Manu.
Gary Neal, nails it! well deserved!
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