Magic sign Olumide Oyedeji.

[MavsFanFinley]

Magic sign free agent F-C Oyedeji
July 21, 2002

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (TICKER) -- Trying to bolster their frontcourt, the Orlando Magic on Sunday signed free agent forward-center Olumide Oyedeji.

Terms of deal were not disclosed.

An athletic but raw talent, the 6-10, 255-pound Oyedeji joins the Magic after spending his first two seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. Last season, Oyedeji played in 36 games, averaging just 1.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per contest.

A native of Nigeria, Oyedeji had a chance to impress the Magic, playing for the club's team in the Orlando Professional Summer League, where he averaged 7.8 points and 7.2 rebounds.

"Olumide has impressed us during summer league play," Magic general manager John Gabriel said. "He brings a lot of energy and addresses some of our needs in the frontcourt. We look forward to his contributions."

"He's active. He's big. He's strong and he's a heck of a rebounder," Magic coach Doc Rivers said. "I'm excited he's joining our team."

In Orlando, Oyedeji should see playing time with the Magic having one of the weaker frontcourts in the league. At 6-10, Oyedeji joins Horace Grant and Andrew DeClercq as the club's biggest players. Veteran 7-foot center Patrick Ewing is expected to retire.

"This is a great opportunity," Oyedeji said. "I'm just 21 years old and just want to keep playing and learning. I feel I have the energy and intensity that can change a game."

The signing of Oyedeji is the Magic's second since the free agent period began. Last week, the club inked point guard Jacque Vaughn to a contract.