The former University of Hawai'i star was released by the Indiana Pacers Sunday. By signing with the NBDL, English is eligible for the league draft next Thursday.

"We were weighing all the options with respect to the various leagues out there, including Europe," said English's agent, Harold Cipin. "When we put it all together, this option was the one that offered the best opportunity and the quickest route to get Carl back to the NBA."

The NBDL is endorsed by the NBA, and players in the NBDL can be called up by an NBA team at any time during the season.

Cipin did not want to reveal financial details of the contract, but said: "Money is not an issue here. It's an opportunity to play and continue to showcase his skills."

Six teams compete in the NBDL: Asheville, Columbus, Fayetteville, Huntsville, North Charleston and Roanoke.

"He'll play with the team that drafts him," Cipin said. "And hopefully, a call-up (to the NBA) will not be far away."

English, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Patrick's Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, led UH with 19.6 points per game last season. He opted to forgo his senior season to play on the professional level.