Like many Division III alumni, Keith Chamberlain kept playing basketball overseason. Unlike many, he's playing in the NBDL, which starts its season in late November.

By Ted Schultz
Grinnell College Sports Information Director

Keith Chamberlain enjoyed a successful basketball career during his days at Grinnell. Now he's making his name known at even a higher level.

Chamberlain was recently drafted to the NBA Development League, the official minor league for the National Basketball Association. He was selected in the fourth round by the Austin Toros, a feeder team for the San Antonio Spurs.

The 6-9 Chamberlain was the lone Division III player to be selected in the eight-round draft.

"It's pretty exciting," said Chamberlain. "They had the draft live online, so those were some pretty anxious moments to see what would happen. It was great when I realized I got picked." 

At Grinnell, Chamberlain earned All-Midwest Conference honors as a junior, averaging 11.9 points and 6.4 rebounds a game. He was off to an even better start the following season, averaging 14.0 points and 7.3 rebounds before being hampered by injury the rest of the year.

Once healthy, Chamberlain began looking at extending his hoops career. "After my senior year, coach (David) Arseneault and (former assistant) Gary Smith approached me and said they thought I stood a good shot of being able to play overseas," said Chamberlain. "That thought was intriguing. I followed through on it (playing in Germany and Latvia), and although there was a little culture shock at first, I learned to really like it. Plus, I had great teammates."

Chamberlain, who is a cousin to former first-round NBA draft choice Anthony Davis, is not sure when or if he'll get a chance at the big show. But if the opportunity comes, he'll be ready.

"I just need to take advantage of the opportunity in Austin," he said. "It's a great chance to get some exposure. It should be a fantastic experience."