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Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio
Miami’s Peter Suder Signs Two-Way Contract With Lakers
- Story byJournal-News, Hamilton, Ohio
- Miami’s Peter Suder Signs Two-Way Contract With Lakers
OXFORD — Peter Suder 's basketball journey has taken him from an overlooked transfer to the doorstep of the NBA.
The Los Angeles Lakers signed the former Miami University standout to a two-way contract Wednesday, June 24, giving one of college basketball's most efficient guards an opportunity to earn a permanent spot with one of the league's most storied franchises after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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A two-way contract allows a player to split the season between an NBA team and its NBA G League affiliate. Players on two-way deals can spend up to 50 regular-season games on the NBA roster while continuing their development in the G League. To become eligible for the NBA playoffs, however, the contract must be converted to a standard NBA deal before the postseason.
"I am so happy for Peter," Miami men's basketball coach Travis Steele said. "He deserves this opportunity with the Lakers. He is the ultimate winner, and I am excited to watch him compete with the Lakers."
Suder's signing caps a remarkable two-year run that helped restore Miami to national prominence.
After transferring from Bellarmine before the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-5 guard quickly became the cornerstone of Steele's program. The RedHawks compiled a 56-11 record during Suder's two seasons in Oxford, including a perfect 31-0 regular season in 2025-26 that vaulted Miami into the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1999.
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Suder earned Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors after averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 54.6% from the field and 42.1% from 3-point range. He became Miami's first MAC Player of the Year since Michael Bramos in 2009, repeated as a first-team All-MAC selection and was named a finalist for the Lou Henson Award, presented annually to the nation's top mid-major player.
His senior season included one memorable performance after another.
Suder poured in a career-high 37 points, including seven 3-pointers and the game-winning basket in overtime against Buffalo to preserve Miami's unbeaten regular season. He later scored a team-high 27 points while adding seven rebounds and six assists against Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament after helping the RedHawks defeat SMU in the First Four.
Before arriving in Oxford, Suder earned ASUN All-Freshman Team honors at Bellarmine. Across four collegiate seasons, he developed into one of the nation's most versatile guards, combining efficient scoring with playmaking, rebounding and defense.
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In 67 games at Miami, Suder averaged 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting better than 52% from the field. The RedHawks also posted a remarkable 31-1 record at Millett Hall during his tenure.
Suder starred at Carmel High School in Indiana , helping lead the Greyhounds to two state championships.
Basketball success has been a family tradition. His father, Rick Suder, played collegiately at Richmond, while his great-grandfather, Pete Suder, spent nine seasons in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics.
Now, Suder will begin his professional career with one of the NBA's marquee franchises.
