GREENVILLE, S.C., Jan. 18 – The Houston Rockets signed Albuquerque Thunderbirds forward Chuck Hayes to a 10-day contract today, making him the fourth GATORADE Call-Up of the 2005-06 NBA Development League season and the 54th overall since the league began play in November 2001.

Houston also signed former Tulsa 66ers guard John Lucas III to a second 10-day contract. Lucas is averaging 1.9 points and 1.1 assists in seven games with the Rockets. He was signed to his first 10-day contract on Jan. 8. The Rockets roster again stands at 16 players after receiving another special exception from the NBA due to injuries.

Hayes played in four preseason games for the Rockets this season. Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images

Hayes originally signed with Houston as a rookie free agent on October 3. He averaged 0.8 points and 1.8 rebounds in four preseason games with the Rockets before being waived on October 25. Hayes was then selected sixth overall in the 2005 NBA D-League Draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. In 15 games (14 starts) with Albuquerque, Hayes averaged 10.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

The former Kentucky standout also helped Houston to a 5-0 record at the 2005 Minnesota Summer League, averaging 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in five games. He finished his collegiate career at Kentucky starting 110 consecutive games, tying the school record set by Alex Groza from 1946-49. While at Kentucky, Hayes won two SEC Championships and two SEC Tournament titles. He also helped UK to three NCAA Sweet 16 finishes and two NCAA Elite Eights. As a senior, Hayes was named consensus First-Team All-SEC and league Defensive Player of the Year.

Lucas earned the first two GATORADE Call-Ups of the D-League season, signing with the Houston Rockets on December 29 when the team was granted a first special exception from the NBA due to injuries. He was waived by the Rockets on January 4 and re-signed to a 10-day contract on January 8. Fayetteville’s Kaniel Dickens signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on January 10.

The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).

The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA’s umbrella. Thirty-seven (37) players have been called up to the NBA on 54 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, six athletic trainers, 14 referees and 30 front office executives have also been called up since the start of the league’s inaugural season in November 2001.

Gatorade Thirst Quencher is a proud partner of both the NBA and the NBA Development League. Gatorade is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. Backed by 35 years of research, Gatorade is the nation's leading sports drink. For more information, visit www.gatorade.com. Gatorade, it's in the D-League and the NBA, Is it in You?