Major Wingate
Encyclopedia
Major Leon-Legrant Wingate (born November 10, 1983) is an American
professional basketball
player who currently plays at the center
for the Springfield Armor
of the NBA Development League
.Started playing high school basketball at Wilson High School
where he averaged 15 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks as a junior. For his senior year he moved to North Gwinnett
where he was ranked among the top 50 players in the class of 2003 and 10th-best center
prospect in the nation.
After a successful high school run he decided to play college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers
. In 2006, Windgate was kicked off the Tennessee Vols after violating the teams substance abuse policy, and subsequently Wingate decided to go pro and he landed in Greece
still manifesting his desire to enter the NBA Draft
which later he did but did not get picked. Wingate tried out for the Sacramento Kings
but did not make the final cut. After this he decided to go overseas trying his luck in Turkey
, China
, France
and Romania
. In 2009 he got drafted by the newly formed NBA Development League
team the Springfield Armor
in the 2nd round.
with 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game. 2003 McDonald's All-America finalist. A second team All-Class AAAAA selection. Named to the All-Gwinnett first team. Named to the GACA Region 8-AAAAA Team of the Year. Selected to the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Team of the Year. Played in the Georgia Athletics Coaches Association North/South All-Star Game. Led North Gwinnett
to a 26-4 and an appearance in the "Elite Eight" of the state tournament. Led North Gwinnett
to a No. 1 ranking in the state late in the season and a No. 6 final ranking. Received an invitation to attend the prestigious ABCD Camp following his eighth grade year. Named the MVP and MIP of the adidas All-Star camp. Helped lead the Global Select team to a silver medal at the 2003 Global Games in Dallas. Coached by Ralph Nunn at North Gwinnett
and Tommy Johnson at Wilson
.
. Scored nine points in UT's win over Auburn
. Later had nine points against Alabama
in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Against Kentucky
, he had eight points and six rebounds in 26 minutes. Blocked a pair of shots and added five points against Texas A&M
. Scored his first career points with a four point, four rebound outing that featured three steals against Tennessee State. Saw 16 minutes of action in the season opener against Wofford
, registering four rebounds and a blocked shot.
when he recorded career-highs for points (13), rebounds (8), field goals made (5), field goals attempted (10) and minutes played (35). Improved his scoring mark the next game with a 14-point effort against seventh-ranked Kentucky
. Earned his first starting assignment of the season at Florida
.
games. Set a school NCAA Tournament
record with five blocked shots against Wichita State
. Five offensive rebounds against the Shockers
tied the school NCAA Tournament
record ... Shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19) from the field in the NCAA Tournament
. Reached double-figure scoring in 20 games after reaching double-figures just three times his first two years at UT. Scored 16 points (his most ever in an SEC game) while grabbing three rebounds and passing out three assists versus Vanderbilt
. Led the Vols
with a career-high 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line versus Eastern Kentucky
. Scored 12 points at Texas
while helping limit LaMarcus Aldridge to just four field goals. Overcame a foot injury to score 12 points and block three shots in 28 minutes of action against Louisiana-Lafayette.
where he played only 4 games averaging 26 minutes 10.6 points 4 rebounds 1 assist shooting 56.4% from the field 62.3% from the free throw line and 20% from he behind the arc. After a brief time spent here he joined Tofas Bursa
in the Turkish Basketball League
where he played 23 games averaging 26 minutes, 6.6 points, 6 rebounds, making 49.6% from the field and 50% from the free throw line. His best game was a game against Pınar Karşıyaka
where he scored 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7-10 shooting from the field. He finished the season in Turkey with a total of 170 points, 146 rebounds and 16 assists.
he left Europe
for China where he played for the Chinese Basketball Association
team Zhejiang Zhongxin. Playing 29 games, 27 minutes Wingate averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds 1.8 assists shooting career highs from the field 64.8 and free throw line 64.2. After a successful year in China he got selected for the All-Star Game where he played against the Orlando Magic his direct opponent being Dwight Howard
. This is where Wingate managed one of his greatest plays in his career blocking Dwight Howard
's shot.
again from the Chinese experience Wingate joined UJAP Quimper 29
a team playing in the French Basketball 2nd League. He only played 5 games here and averaged a career low 17 minutes, 6.6 points, 2.6 rebounds. Good things were about to happen for Wingate while visiting his wife whom was playing volley-ball in Târgu Mureş, Romania
, Wingate caught the attention of the local teams coach and soon from the crowd Wingate joined the action on the floor for BC Mureş a team in the Romanian Basketball Division A
. The 19 games played here were unquestionable Wingate's best games in his career. Averaging career high 14.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, shooting 57.9% from the field and 60% from the free throw line. He fitted in well in the defensive oriented team and rapidly became the home crowds favorite because of his high-flying style of play which kept the crowd on the edge of their feet. He broke his career-highs in scoring 2 and rebounding 17. At the end of the season he was one of the top centers in the league leading in rebounds, block shots and double-double's. He also pulled off one of the most spectacular plays in the Romanian Basketball Division A
ever with a 360 dunk in front of the home crowd that went crazy.
in the 2nd round. After missing the preseason and the first game in the teams history because of personal reasons Wingate joined the team on November 27. Already in the 2nd game for his new team he became the player of the game although the Armor lost, Wingate finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds 5-7 shooting from the field 7-8 from the free throw line.
Wingate was a fan favorite in Springfield, constantly praised for his hustle and passion. Wingate unexpectedly left the team in late January. When asked by fans Josh Parsons, Eric O'Brien, and Garret Cagna of Wingate's whereabouts, Armor head coach Dee Brown responded, "If you find him, let me know." Wingate was officially released on January 26, 2010.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player who currently plays at the center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
for the Springfield Armor
Springfield Armor
The Springfield Armor is a basketball team located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which plays in the NBA Development League. The Armor plays its home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield's Metro Center neighborhood. The team is owned by HWS Basketball, LLC which is principally owned by...
of the NBA Development League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
.Started playing high school basketball at Wilson High School
Wilson High School (Florence, South Carolina)
Wilson High School is one of three high schools in Florence Public School District One in Florence, South Carolina. Wilson is the only high school in the Pee Dee region that offers the International Baccalaureate diploma.- History :...
where he averaged 15 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks as a junior. For his senior year he moved to North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett High School
North Gwinnett High School is a public high school in Suwanee, Georgia. The school is part of the school district Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Superintendent of the district is J. Alvin Wilbanks and the Principal is Ed Shaddix.-History:...
where he was ranked among the top 50 players in the class of 2003 and 10th-best center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
prospect in the nation.
After a successful high school run he decided to play college basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Volunteers are the National Collegiate Athletic Association college sports teams at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mike Hamilton is the most recent Men's Athletic Director, but resigned on June 7, 2011, and Joan Cronan is the current Women's...
. In 2006, Windgate was kicked off the Tennessee Vols after violating the teams substance abuse policy, and subsequently Wingate decided to go pro and he landed in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
still manifesting his desire to enter the NBA Draft
NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
which later he did but did not get picked. Wingate tried out for the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
but did not make the final cut. After this he decided to go overseas trying his luck in Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. In 2009 he got drafted by the newly formed NBA Development League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
team the Springfield Armor
Springfield Armor
The Springfield Armor is a basketball team located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which plays in the NBA Development League. The Armor plays its home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield's Metro Center neighborhood. The team is owned by HWS Basketball, LLC which is principally owned by...
in the 2nd round.
Early life
Attended Wilson High School in Florence, S.C., before transferring to North Gwinnett in Suwanee, Ga., for his senior season. Led North GwinnettNorth Gwinnett High School
North Gwinnett High School is a public high school in Suwanee, Georgia. The school is part of the school district Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Superintendent of the district is J. Alvin Wilbanks and the Principal is Ed Shaddix.-History:...
with 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks per game. 2003 McDonald's All-America finalist. A second team All-Class AAAAA selection. Named to the All-Gwinnett first team. Named to the GACA Region 8-AAAAA Team of the Year. Selected to the Atlanta Tipoff Club's Team of the Year. Played in the Georgia Athletics Coaches Association North/South All-Star Game. Led North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett High School
North Gwinnett High School is a public high school in Suwanee, Georgia. The school is part of the school district Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Superintendent of the district is J. Alvin Wilbanks and the Principal is Ed Shaddix.-History:...
to a 26-4 and an appearance in the "Elite Eight" of the state tournament. Led North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett High School
North Gwinnett High School is a public high school in Suwanee, Georgia. The school is part of the school district Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Superintendent of the district is J. Alvin Wilbanks and the Principal is Ed Shaddix.-History:...
to a No. 1 ranking in the state late in the season and a No. 6 final ranking. Received an invitation to attend the prestigious ABCD Camp following his eighth grade year. Named the MVP and MIP of the adidas All-Star camp. Helped lead the Global Select team to a silver medal at the 2003 Global Games in Dallas. Coached by Ralph Nunn at North Gwinnett
North Gwinnett High School
North Gwinnett High School is a public high school in Suwanee, Georgia. The school is part of the school district Gwinnett County Public Schools. The Superintendent of the district is J. Alvin Wilbanks and the Principal is Ed Shaddix.-History:...
and Tommy Johnson at Wilson
Wilson High School (Florence, South Carolina)
Wilson High School is one of three high schools in Florence Public School District One in Florence, South Carolina. Wilson is the only high school in the Pee Dee region that offers the International Baccalaureate diploma.- History :...
.
Freshman Year
Recipient of the Lowell Blanchard Award as the most improved Vol. Solid and reliable defense earned him a spot in the starting lineup in 15 of Tennessee's last 16 games. In 15 games as a starter, he tied or broke his career-high scoring mark four times. Blocked at least one shot in 10 of the last 15 games. Ranked second on the team with 18 blocked shots. Had eight points and three assists against South CarolinaSouth Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball
The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team represents the University of South Carolina and competes in the Southeastern Conference. The program attained national prominence under hall of fame coach Frank McGuire, posting a 205-65 record and three NCAA Sweet 16 appearances from 1967-1976...
. Scored nine points in UT's win over Auburn
Auburn Tigers men's basketball
The Auburn Tigers men's basketball program is the college basketball program that represents Auburn University, competing in the Southeastern Conference. The program began in 1905. Though they generally play under the shadow of the football program, the Tigers have had successes on the hardwood...
. Later had nine points against Alabama
Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball
The Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball program has a history of being among the best of the Southeastern Conference . It trails only Kentucky in basketball wins, SEC tournament titles, and SEC regular season titles in the 12-member conference. The team is coached by head coach Anthony Grant,...
in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Against Kentucky
Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
, he had eight points and six rebounds in 26 minutes. Blocked a pair of shots and added five points against Texas A&M
Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball
The Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball team represents Texas A&M University in NCAA Division I college basketball. The Aggies play home games at Reed Arena, a 12,500-capacity arena in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University....
. Scored his first career points with a four point, four rebound outing that featured three steals against Tennessee State. Saw 16 minutes of action in the season opener against Wofford
Wofford Terriers
Wofford College sponsors 18 sports for men's and women's programs. The Terriers also compete in the Southern Conference, and have been a part of the league since the 1997–98 academic year. Wofford and the other SoCon members play football in the Football Championship Subdivision...
, registering four rebounds and a blocked shot.
Sophomore Year
Started eight games and played in 30 contests on the season. Seven of his starts came in conference action. Averaged 5.0 points on the season and 5.6 points per game in SEC games. First player off the bench nine times. In eight games as a starter, averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. Had a career game against LouisvilleLouisville Cardinals men's basketball
The Louisville Cardinals men's basketball team is the 18th winningest college basketball team in NCAA Division I history and has the 10th best winning percentage in college basketball history. Currently coached by Rick Pitino, the Cardinals of the University of Louisville have been to 37 NCAA...
when he recorded career-highs for points (13), rebounds (8), field goals made (5), field goals attempted (10) and minutes played (35). Improved his scoring mark the next game with a 14-point effort against seventh-ranked Kentucky
Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
. Earned his first starting assignment of the season at Florida
Florida Gators men's basketball
The Florida Gators men's basketball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of basketball. The Gators compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Southeastern Conference...
.
Junior Year
Earned a share of the Lowell Blanchard Award as the most improved player on the team. A team captain, started 29 of Tennessee's 30 games. Ranked third on the team with 10.6 points while shooting a team-best 55.6 percent (125-of-225) from the field. In SEC games shot 58.4 percent (59-of-101) from the field. 70 career blocked shots are 13th all-time at Tennessee. 32 blocked shots on the season were second on the team. Averaged 15.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in two NCAA TournamentNCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
games. Set a school NCAA Tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
record with five blocked shots against Wichita State
Wichita State Shockers men's basketball
The Wichita State Shockers basketball team is the NCAA Division I men's basketball program of Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. They currently compete in the Missouri Valley Conference...
. Five offensive rebounds against the Shockers
Wichita State Shockers men's basketball
The Wichita State Shockers basketball team is the NCAA Division I men's basketball program of Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. They currently compete in the Missouri Valley Conference...
tied the school NCAA Tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
record ... Shot 57.9 percent (11-of-19) from the field in the NCAA Tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
. Reached double-figure scoring in 20 games after reaching double-figures just three times his first two years at UT. Scored 16 points (his most ever in an SEC game) while grabbing three rebounds and passing out three assists versus Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball
The Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball team represents Vanderbilt University in the Eastern Division of the Southeastern Conference . The Commodores have won three SEC regular season titles . They have competed in ten NCAA Tournaments, making it to the Elite Eight once and the Sweet 16 six times...
. Led the Vols
Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Volunteers are the National Collegiate Athletic Association college sports teams at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mike Hamilton is the most recent Men's Athletic Director, but resigned on June 7, 2011, and Joan Cronan is the current Women's...
with a career-high 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line versus Eastern Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky Colonels men's basketball
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels men's basketball team is a college basketball team at Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, Kentucky. The basketball team has been competing in the Ohio Valley Conference since 1948. Home games are played at Alumni Coliseum, located on EKU's campus. The...
. Scored 12 points at Texas
Texas Longhorns men's basketball
The Texas Longhorns men's basketball team represents The University of Texas at Austin in NCAA Division I men's basketball competition. The Longhorns currently compete in the Big 12 Conference....
while helping limit LaMarcus Aldridge to just four field goals. Overcame a foot injury to score 12 points and block three shots in 28 minutes of action against Louisiana-Lafayette.
Greece/Turkey
After leaving Tennessee Wingate tried out for the Greek Super League team Makedonikos BCMakedonikos BC
Makedonikos B.C. is a Greek professional basketball club. The club is located in Neapoli, Thessaloniki , Greece. The club was founded in the year 1928.-History:...
where he played only 4 games averaging 26 minutes 10.6 points 4 rebounds 1 assist shooting 56.4% from the field 62.3% from the free throw line and 20% from he behind the arc. After a brief time spent here he joined Tofas Bursa
Tofas S.K.
Tofaş Spor Kulübü known simply as Tofaş is a professional basketball team based in the city of Bursa in Turkey that plays in the Turkish Basketball League. Their home arena is the Bursa Atatürk Sport Hall with a capacity of 3,500 seats.The club sponsored by Tofaş Company...
in the Turkish Basketball League
Turkish Basketball League
The Turkish Basketball League is the top men’s professional basketball league in Turkey, which is also called Turkish Premier Basketball League . There is also a Turkish Second Basketball League consisting of 2 divisions .-History:The first basketball game played in Turkey was at the Robert...
where he played 23 games averaging 26 minutes, 6.6 points, 6 rebounds, making 49.6% from the field and 50% from the free throw line. His best game was a game against Pınar Karşıyaka
Pinar Karsiyaka
Pınar Karşıyaka is a professional basketball team based in the city of İzmir in Turkey. It is a section of the Karşıyaka SK. The team was sponsored by Pınar since 1998. It is the product of Yasar Holding's Food and Beverage Group....
where he scored 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7-10 shooting from the field. He finished the season in Turkey with a total of 170 points, 146 rebounds and 16 assists.
China
After his rookie year in TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
he left Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
for China where he played for the Chinese Basketball Association
Chinese Basketball Association
The Chinese Basketball Association , often abbreviated to the CBA, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in China.The league is commonly known as the CBA, and this acronym is often used even in Chinese...
team Zhejiang Zhongxin. Playing 29 games, 27 minutes Wingate averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds 1.8 assists shooting career highs from the field 64.8 and free throw line 64.2. After a successful year in China he got selected for the All-Star Game where he played against the Orlando Magic his direct opponent being Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
. This is where Wingate managed one of his greatest plays in his career blocking Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
's shot.
France/Romania
Back to EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
again from the Chinese experience Wingate joined UJAP Quimper 29
Union Jeanne d'Arc Phalange Quimper
Union Jeanne d'Arc Phalange Quimper is a basketball club based in Quimper, that plays in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball. Their home arena is Salle Michel-Gloagen.- History :...
a team playing in the French Basketball 2nd League. He only played 5 games here and averaged a career low 17 minutes, 6.6 points, 2.6 rebounds. Good things were about to happen for Wingate while visiting his wife whom was playing volley-ball in Târgu Mureş, Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
, Wingate caught the attention of the local teams coach and soon from the crowd Wingate joined the action on the floor for BC Mureş a team in the Romanian Basketball Division A
Romanian Basketball Division A
The Divizia A is the top-tier professional basketball league of Romania. There are 16 teams in Men's Division A.The regular season begins in October and is played over a normal round-robin home-and-away basis. The first 8 clubs qualify for the play-offs. The play-offs are played using the knock-out...
. The 19 games played here were unquestionable Wingate's best games in his career. Averaging career high 14.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, shooting 57.9% from the field and 60% from the free throw line. He fitted in well in the defensive oriented team and rapidly became the home crowds favorite because of his high-flying style of play which kept the crowd on the edge of their feet. He broke his career-highs in scoring 2 and rebounding 17. At the end of the season he was one of the top centers in the league leading in rebounds, block shots and double-double's. He also pulled off one of the most spectacular plays in the Romanian Basketball Division A
Romanian Basketball Division A
The Divizia A is the top-tier professional basketball league of Romania. There are 16 teams in Men's Division A.The regular season begins in October and is played over a normal round-robin home-and-away basis. The first 8 clubs qualify for the play-offs. The play-offs are played using the knock-out...
ever with a 360 dunk in front of the home crowd that went crazy.
Springfield
Wingate was drafted by the newly formed NBA affiliate team Springfield ArmorSpringfield Armor
The Springfield Armor is a basketball team located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which plays in the NBA Development League. The Armor plays its home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield's Metro Center neighborhood. The team is owned by HWS Basketball, LLC which is principally owned by...
in the 2nd round. After missing the preseason and the first game in the teams history because of personal reasons Wingate joined the team on November 27. Already in the 2nd game for his new team he became the player of the game although the Armor lost, Wingate finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds 5-7 shooting from the field 7-8 from the free throw line.
Wingate was a fan favorite in Springfield, constantly praised for his hustle and passion. Wingate unexpectedly left the team in late January. When asked by fans Josh Parsons, Eric O'Brien, and Garret Cagna of Wingate's whereabouts, Armor head coach Dee Brown responded, "If you find him, let me know." Wingate was officially released on January 26, 2010.