BOSTON (AP) – Free agent Kevin Pittsnogle signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

Pittsnogle, a 6-foot-11 center who is West Virginia’s career 3-point leader, was passed over in June’s NBA draft along with Mountaineers teammate Mike Gansey. Both played for the Miami Heat in a summer league, and Gansey signed a two-year deal with the Heat.

Pittsnogle led the Mountaineers with 19.3 points per game last season and was named to the All-Big East first team.

He led West Virginia to the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament the past two seasons.

“Clearly, Kevin’s strength is extending defenses with his range. He’s big enough and he’s got a quick trigger,” agent Dan Tobin said. “He’s a unique player, somewhat of a specialist at this point.

We’re trying to expand other areas of his game and I think that’s what’s going to help him make the transition.”

Pittsnogle made 253 career 3-pointers and his 41.1 percent 3-point accuracy rate ranks second in school history.

He is sixth in career scoring with 1,708 points.

Raptors waive Alvin Williams

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors waived point guard Alvin Williams on Wednesday and announced the signing of guard Fred Jones.

The announcement comes days after guard John Salmons backed out of a planned deal with the Raptors, instead signing with the Sacramento Kings.

Jones, who played four seasons with the Indiana Pacers, will back up point guard T.J. Ford, acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season.

Jones averaged 9.6 points a game as a backup last season, and 10.6 points and 3.1 rebounds two seasons ago.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” Jones said.

Williams, who played in one game in the past two years because of an injured right knee, will not be a part of that.

Due $6.8 million in the last year of his contract, general manager Bryan Colangelo said they had reached a settlement.

“I’m a little disappointed,” Williams said. “I still wanted to play for the Toronto Raptors and give it one more chance, a last chance. Hopefully, I can get with another team and continue to play. If not, I’ll look forward to doing other things in my life.”

Williams, Toronto’s all-time assist leader and second in games played, asked to play near the end of season, but the team didn’t want him to.

Acquired from Portland in 1998, Williams averaged 9.3 points and 5.6 assists in 417 games. AP-ES-07-26-06 1548EDT