Mustafa Shakur last played in the NBA two seasons ago. Photo by Rafael Suanes-USA Today Sports
Former Arizona Wildcats point guard Mustafa Shakur is back in the NBA D-League and was chosen the top prospect performer of last weekend in his debut with the Erie BayHawks.
Erie acquired the rights to Shakur in a trade earlier this month.
Shakur, 28, had been playing in Europe, most recently in Italy, since last stepping on an NBA court for the Washington Wizards in the 2010-11 season. He appeared in 22 games that season, averaging 2.3 points and 7.2 minutes.
He played in two games last week for the BayHawks, averaging 22.5 points and 7.0 assists in a pair of victories. He shot 17 of 26 from the field and made all eight of his attempts from the free throw line.
Shakur was averaging 11.5 points and 3.4 assists for Sidigas Avellino, but left the Italian team for Erie and another NBA audition in the D-League.
“He’s a veteran who’s been around the block and in the NBA and in the European League, so you’re doing yourself a lot of good,” BayHawks coach Gene Cross told the Erie Times-News. “His speed, his quickness, he can get to the rim and find people, he’s a tremendous asset for us, and I feel like a better coach when he’s on the floor.”
For updates on how all the former Wildcats are doing professionally — including some recent news on Salim Stoudamire — check out Javier Morales’ site, WildAboutAZCats.com.
Here are some recent highlights of Shakur, still wearing a headband just like he did at UA, from Italy …