TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The PLG Yankey ARK (洋基工程籃球隊), a professional basketball team in Taiwan's P. League+, signed former U.S. national team player George McZavier King Jr. Friday (Dec. 19). King, who participated in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, aims to enhance the team's scoring and defensive presence in the paint. The signing strengthens the team's roster for the ongoing season.
King, a seasoned player with NBA experience, was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He averaged 12.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during the 2021-22 NBA G League season. King achieved a 40.1% three-point shooting rate at the University of Colorado, ranking second in team history. His international career spans Italy, Poland, Australia, the Philippines, and China.
King expressed gratitude for the opportunity with the Yankey. He stated his eagerness to integrate into the team and leverage his skills and experience to lead them to success. Yankey general manager Chien Wei-cheng (錢韋成) noted that King's addition strengthens the front line and complements the current roster.
The Yankey ARK signed former Taiwanese naturalized player Quincy Davis III last month. Davis has been a significant figure in Taiwanese basketball since 2011. He made history in 2013 as Taiwan's first naturalized player, leading Chinese Taipei, Taiwan's international sports team name, to fourth place in the 2013 Asian Championships. ◼