Former RedHawk standout heads to Los Angeles

Former RedHawk men’s basketball standout Peter Suder signed with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) at the conclusion of the 2026 NBA draft. Suder signed a two-way contract with the historic franchise.

Although Suder was an undrafted free agent (UDFA), this contract opens the door to earning playing time for an NBA team. Other UDFAs who have made the starting roster include Ben Wallace, John Starks, fellow Laker, Austin Reaves and Fred VanVleet, who led an undefeated Wichita State University Shocker’s team in 2014.

It is unclear what Suder’s next steps are. A two-way contract likely means that the Lakers will look to have him play for their G League team, the South Bay Lakers, and the NBA club. The G-League is designed as a developmental league for NBA teams.

Although it is not certain that Suder will play in the NBA, he will have the opportunity to do so. The Lakers are coming off a 53-29 season where they lost in the first round of the playoffs. They currently roster star players Luka Doncic, Reaves and LeBron James. James, whose future with the team is currently in limbo, is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.

Signing an NBA contract has been Suder’s goal since he started playing basketball, but the dream began to become reality after the RedHawks’ perfect regular season. Suder began his predraft workouts immediately after the season ended in March.

“I’m training and getting ready for professional basketball, so it is different,” Suder said last April, in a post game press conference.

The work paid off, and Suder will have a chance to play basketball at the sport’s highest level.

Suder will attempt to become the first RedHawk to play in the NBA since Wally Szerbiak in 2009. The last RedHawk to play in the G League was Kenny Hayes, who played for the Maine Red Claws in 2012.

Head men’s basketball coach Travis Steele had multiple players sign contracts with NBA clubs during his time at Xavier. Suder joins a list with Colby Jones and Naji Marshall, adding to Steele’s developmental resume.

Steele had confidence in Suder’s ability to play in the NBA since he brought him to Oxford in April.

“I think he’ll have a chance to play in the NBA,” Steele said.

The NBA Summer League runs from July 9-16 in Las Vegas. Suder will play his first minutes of professional basketball. The schedule is not set, but the Lakers will travel to Las Vegas and play five games to give younger players more in-game action.