Nighthawks guard signs with Minnesota Timberwolves

A.J. Lawson is in his first season with the Guelph Nighthawks, after an impressive showing with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 NBA Summer League

A.J. Lawson signs autographs at Sleeman Centre on Wednesday evening, where a Nighthawks game was held. Lawson made an appearance at the game after signing a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA,Submitted photo

A Guelph Nighthawk is heading to the NBA.

A.J. Lawson has signed a two-way deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lawson has played in 10 games for the Nighthawks this season, averaging 16.5 points on 44.3 per cent shooting and 5.4 rebounds per game. He's also piling on the minutes when he is in the lineup, one of four Guelph players to average over 30 minutes a game.

Before signing in the Royal City, Lawson led the NBA's Dallas Mavericks with 15.6 points on 51.9 per cent shooting per game during the 2022 NBA Summer League.

The Nighthawks (9-10) have qualified for the Canadian Elite Basketball League playoffs after defeating Saskatchewan 104-82 in their home finale Wednesday.

Guelph's Maurice Calloo had a game-high 23 points.

They'll wrap up the regular season on the road against the Newfoundland Growlers Friday.