Sports

Pelicans sign rookie center Jeff Withey

by Walter Pierce

Withey played four years at Kansas, setting the all-time Big 12 mark for blocked shots with 312. He also was the conference's defensive player of the year the past two seasons

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Pelicans say 7-foot center Jeff Withey has signed his rookie contract.

Citing team policy, the club is not releasing the terms of the deal with the former Kansas standout.

Withey was drafted by Portland in the second round of the draft, 39th overall, and then traded to New Orleans as part of a three-team deal that also sent guard Tyreke Evans from Sacramento to the Pelicans, while New Orleans dealt center Robin Lopez to Portland and Greivis Vasquez to the Kings.

Withey played four years at Kansas, setting the all-time Big 12 mark for blocked shots with 312. He also was the conference's defensive player of the year the past two seasons.