NEW YORK – Santa Cruz Warriors center Damian Jones today was named the NBA Development League Player of the Month for games played in March and April.

Jones (6-10, Vanderbilt) helped Santa Cruz to an 11-2 record in March and April as the Warriors earned the fourth seed in the Western Conference for the 2017 NBA D-League Playoffs, which tip off on Tuesday, April 4.  He appeared in 12 of the team’s 13 games while on assignment from the Golden State Warriors, averaging 17.6 points (on 65 percent shooting from the field) and 7.8 rebounds.

Jones scored in double figures in all 12 games, including a season-high 25 points in a 127-117 win over the Los Angeles D-Fenders on March 31.  During March and April, he recorded three point-rebound double-doubles and grabbed 12 rebounds three times.

Selected in the first round (30^th overall) of the 2016 NBA Draft by Golden State, Jones has averaged 11.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 31 games for Santa Cruz this season.

Other players who received consideration for the monthly award were Canton’s John Holland, Delaware’s Russ Smith, Fort Wayne’s Tyler Hansbrough, Long Island’s Cliff Alexander, Northern Arizona’s Xavier Silas, Oklahoma City’s Daniel Hamilton, Raptors 905’s Brady Heslip, Rio Grande Valley’s Isaiah Taylor, Texas’ Jameel Warney and Windy City’s Wesley Saunders.

About the NBA Development League
The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 22 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2016-17 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2015-16 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.