TORONTO – Former UIndy men's basketball standout Jordan Loyd signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors over the weekend, as the Atlanta native moves one step closer to playing in the NBA. A two-way contract allows Loyd to spend upwards of 45 days on the NBA roster during the G-League season, and an unlimited amount of time before and after.
 
Loyd becomes the first UIndy graduate to sign a contract with an NBA organization.

"It's actually kind of surreal," Loyd said of being the first Greyhound to achieve such a feat. "I know I only have my foot in the door and by no means have I 'made it.'"
 
Men's basketball head coach Stan Gouard, who guided Loyd to a successful collegiate career in the Circle City, is extremely happy for his former player to get a chance that only so few players do.
 
"As a coach, you're always excited for a former player to get an opportunity like this," Gouard began. "It's always a goal to graduate with a UIndy degree and then go on to play professionally, and this is an exciting time for him and his family."

Loyd continued: "I have a long way to go and I know that, but it's awesome to think about where I started and came from. I just want to prove tha anyone can get to this level no matter where you come from or what your background is."
 
During his senior season at UIndy, Loyd was a unanimous All-GLVC first-team selection, as well a second-team all-Midwest performer. The guard averaged 20.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, and 2.5 apg as a senior, which included shooting 50 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. He was also named to the all-conference defensive squad, leading the Hounds with 137 defensive rebounds and 51 steals.
 
Loyd finished his career at UIndy 25th on the all-time scoring list, pouring in 1,213 points in just over two seasons with the Crimson and Grey. He currently ranked 13th in three-pointers made, as well as 10th in three-point percentage. Loyd was also astounding from the charity stripe, ranking sixth in program history in free-throw percentage and seventh in free throws made. He also is 20th all-time in steals.
 
Gouard continued: "It means a lot, not only for the program, but for the university.
 
"I'm sure he's more excited than I am, but I'm extremely happy for him to get this chance. I can't wait to watch him on TV playing in the NBA."

Loyd concedes this is about more than just himself. "It's really a dream come true. My parents have put so much time and effort into my passion for basketball at such a young age. I couldn't have asked for a better support group.

"We're all excited, but it's only the beginning."

After playing overseas the past couple years, Loyd knew this was the right time to make his move to the NBA. "It was a no-brainer; any chance you get to put on an NBA jersey, you have to take advantage of it. I feel like this is a good opportunity to play at the highest level and showcase my game, but it's also the perfect time to grow with this great organization in Toronto."

"UIndy was one of the best things to ever happen to me," Loyd concluded.
 
Most recently, former Greyhound Darius Adams made his appearance in the NBA Summer League with the Brooklyn Nets and Dallas Mavericks, the closest a UIndy graduate has come to the league until now.