When the Philadelphia 76ers took to the court Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, a familiar face suited up alongside Allen Iverson and Chris Webber. Fairfield graduate Deng Gai ’05 became the first player in school history to start the season on an NBA roster.
“It is a phenomenal thing for him,” said Fairfield Head Coach Tim O’Toole. “No one at Fairfield has ever done it. We are truly proud for him and his family.”
“I am really happy for him,” said Micahel Bell ’06. “It has been his lifelong dream, so for him to accomplish it is a really big thing.”
According to O’Toole, Gai has already made mention of his family and Fairfield in almost all of his interviews. His mention of Fairfield will help to boost the school’s name recognition and reputation.
“Deng’s accomplishment is a tremendous thing for our program. We have our players set goals for themselves each and every week. His accomplishment shows them that anything can be done if one puts his mind to it,” O’Toole said,
Gai was signed as an un-drafted free-agent during the off-season. Gai led all rookies during the preseason in blocks per game, with a 1.71 average. That average was also better than perennial all-NBA first team defensive players Tim Duncan and Ben Wallace.
Injuries to starting center Samuel Dalembert and backups Michael Bradley and Shavlik Randoplh might mean significant minutes for Gai.
“It is truly amazing how things have turned out, ” O’Toole said. “The key for him is to stay positive at all times and being the best team player he can be.”
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