DARRIN HANCOCK TO BE A DODGE CITY LEGEND Former National Basketball Association player DarrIn Hancock. a 6-7, 215 pound forward, will return to Kansas to continue his professional career after he signed a contract to play for the United States Basketball League's Dodge City Legend.

Hancock, who spent three seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs, started his college career at Garden City Community College and played one season for the Kansas Jayhawks before turning pro in 1993. He is currently playing for Legend head coach Kent Davison with the Fort Wayne Fury in the Continental Basketball Association.

"DarrIn is a player that will make an impact for a first year USBL franchise." Legend General Manager Tom Nelson said. "He brings us NBA experience. He played for KU, and he was NJCAA Player of the Year in Garden City. It legitimizes our franchise in the eyes of a lot of area basketball fans."

The two-time Georgia high school Player of the Year spent two years at GCCC. He was the NJCAA Player of the Year after averaging 21.8 points per game his sophomore year. Hancock transferred to Kansas for his junior season, starting 33 of 34 games, averaging 7.5 points per game. He turned pro after that season and signed with Maurienne of the French League, where he averaged 17.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 1993-94.

Hancock was a second round draft choice of the Hornets in 1994. In his rookie season he averaged 3 points and a rebound per game for Charlotte. In his second season he scored four points and grabbed three rebounds per game. He set a Hornets franchise record by making 11 straight field goal attempts over a span of three games. Hancock posted a career high 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in 30 minutes against the Utah Jazz on December 11, 1995.

He played in 24 games for three different teams during the 1996-97 season, averaging two points, a rebound and an assist for Atlanta, Milwaukee and San Antonio. He was also member of the Suns but did not see action.

He has spent the last two seasons with Fort Wayne in the CBA. In 1998-99 Hancock averaged 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 26 games. This season he is averaging 14.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. Hancock is shooting 52% from the field, including 44% from three point range.

"DarrIn is one of the most athletic players in the CBA." stated Legend head coach Kent Davison. "He has three years NBA experience and now he has a jump shot. He has worked hard on that. He will bring a lot of excitement to the game."

The USBL draft for college seniors is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 at 5:00p.m. A free agent tryout camp is scheduled for April 15 and 16 in Dodge City.