Longhorns Ex Sir'Jabari Rice 'Very Blessed' After Signing Spurs Contract: 'Dreams Came True!'
Former Texas Longhorns guard Sir'Jabari Rice officially signed his two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. After missing the California Classic due to an undisclosed illness, he's expected to make his team debut at the Vegas Summer League on Friday when the Spurs take on the Charlotte Hornets.
After signing the contract, he spoke with the Spurs media team about how his journey has led him here and why it feels right.
"Dreams just came true in front of me," Rice said. "I'm not big on wanting to be satisfied, but I'm just very blessed. I thank God for the opportunity and I'm just excited to get to work."
Rice, a Houston native, played one season with the Longhorns last season and could be set for more time in the state's capital, as he's expected to get some G League reps in with the Austin Spurs while on his two-way deal.
But he now has a chance to carve out a NBA career for himself near his hometown should he impress the team at Summer League and beyond. He admitted it's been a long process to get to this point, but one he's loved every moment of.
"The journey's definitely been hard, but I embrace that," Rice said. "I love every part of the journey.
Rice, who played in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) during the pre-draft process where he was named MVP, says he also had 14 team workouts along with attending the G League Elite Camp and the NBA Combine.
There were a lot of steps involved for a guy who ended up going undrafted anyways. But it all worked out for him in the end, and he's now at "peace."
"That whole process is draining to a lot of other guys, but for me it's very motivating," he said. "It puts me in a place of peace as far as being in the position that I'm in right now.
The 2022 Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, Rice helped lead a talented Texas squad to the Elite Eight this past season. He averaged 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists while shooting an efficient 46.4 percent from the field.
He'll now look for similar production in Vegas. Aside from potential tournament play, here's the full Vegas Summer League schedule for the Spurs, as Longhorns fans will get a chance to catch Rice in the Silver & Black.
Here's the rest of the Spurs' summer league schedule for play in Vegas.
Friday, July 7 - Hornets vs. Spurs, 8 p.m., ESPN
Sunday, July 9 - Spurs vs. Trail Blazers, 8 p.m., ESPN2
Tuesday, July 11 - Wizards vs. Spurs, 9:30 p.m., NBA TV
Friday, July 14 - Spurs vs. Pistons, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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