Former Miner Julian Washburn Signs with San Antonio Spurs

While every UTEP basketball fan wondered why Vince Hunter left the school after his sophomore year to turn pro, teammate Julian Washburn quietly finished his four years with the Miners as one of the program's best ever defensive players. Washburn went undrafted, but he did play NBA Summer League ball with the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons. The San Antonio Spurs were so impressed enough with Washburn's defensive skills that they signed him to a contract yesterday.

The Spurs' roster is currently at 17 players, which is two above the regular season max. However, the team can retain the NBA Development League rights to four players that are cut during training camp. So, most likely the former 2014-15 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year will begin his professional career as a member of the Austin Spurs in the D-League.

Meanwhile, Hunter was waived by the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 15 and it remains to be seen if he will join Washburn in the D-League. He played just two minutes for the Kings this preseason, but he still might wind up on the Reno Bighorns' roster, Sacramento's D-League affiliate.