Selected D-League National Tryout Camp Standouts

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Facing tough odds, 200 players competed for a NBA D-League shot.

June 13, 2010 – This past weekend Hoop Magic Sports Academy hosted this year’s NBA Developmental League National Tryout Camp, an event in which adult basketball hopefuls convened to catch the eye of D-League officials, earning invitations to training camps around the league.

Though the odds are long – of 200 participants, an estimated 10-20 will be offered the opportunity to audition for one of the D-League’s 17 teams – guys competed. Hard.

“I liked it, was fun” said Tyler Hughes, a former center at Kansas State. “We worked hard”.

"This was one of the biggest events we've had in the four years I've tried to grow Hoop Magic" said Symonds, a veteran of both professional sports and entertainment activities. "Having the NBA here for the first time, not only in Virginia but in the Washington, DC area. I think it's a major accomplishment".

Symonds went on to laud i95Ballerz.com as the first and ultimately few outlets to cover the event. Check back with this site for updates on Hoop Magic's upcoming schedule offering; that organization proved once again the ability to seamlessly manage events.

Following are several players that excelled in the event.

Jamal Wise, 6’6”, 230 pound forward – Having played in locales such as Ireland and most recently the Premier Basketball League’s Quebec Kebs franchise, Wise is a solid all around face up four man, able to attack the rim and hit mid-range jumpers. He must develop open floor ball handling skills and extend his jumpshot. Is a local guy, as he was a standout at Paint Branch (MOCO) before playing at Rhode Island.

Jamal Wise raises from midrange.

Monty Rodgers, 6’4”, 205 pound forward – One of the best finishers in this camp, Rodgers was a standout at Mayville University (NAIA) a number of years ago. He finished, rebounded and ran the floor at a high level, though he must improve his jumpshot and handle.

Carlos Singer, 6’1”, 170 pound point guard – The stepson of former NBA player Dale Ellis, Singer is a heady point guard fresh out of Hardin Simmons University. What’s surprising is he’s transitioning back to a lead guard role. Must finish better.

Tyler Hughes, 7’0”, 250 pound center – Likely the best center in camp, Hughes showed he can score in the low blocks, turning on opponents, powering through defenders and finishing. Tyler indicated a recently injured ankle hampered his explosion. Mid-range work will help Hughes going forward.

Derrick Fields, 6’3”, 200 pound guard – Fields attended Hagerstown Community College after winning a state championship in Staunton, VA. Since then, the powerful backcourt guy has played in several places, such as the ABA (Charlotte), worked out with NBA teams (Bobcats, Wizards) and even made the And One Tour (picked up in Lynchburg, VA). He has the ability to shoot from the perimeter and drive/finish. Must concentrate on determining the best time to do each, as well as focus on defense.

Antonio Webb is a professional point guard.

Antonio Webb, 5’10”, 180 pound point guard – Webb was probably the most complete lead man in camp, running the show, shooting and driving. Defensively he needs to track his man better, but it is little doubt this local guy (Paul VI HS) and Beuthune-Cookman graduate, who played at Vendee Challans in France last year, with work on his left hand handle, could be a NBADL guy.

Julius Cheeks, 6’2”, 195 pound combo guard – Having just finished up at Miss. Valley State where he averaged 15 points, four assists and four rebounds a contest, Cheeks is a good all-around guard capable of shooting and driving. For professional ball, he must be more of a point guard.

Alex Zampier, 6'4", 205 pound shooting guard - Zampier, who calls Albany, NY home can flat shoot the lights out, whether from spot up position for using his handle to create space. Going forward, he should work to improve that patting ability - it is not that he can't handle under some pressure, but must be a threat to attack the rim. Graduated from Yale recently.

Alex Zampier rises up from deep.

Anthony Pimble, 6’5”, 190 pound forward – Hailing from the Bronx, NY, Pimble is an incredible finisher, as he will put it down on anyone in the way. Given his slim stature, Pimble recognizes the need to improve his shooting range and handle. Defense is another point of necessary development for Pimble, who played collegiately in JUCO and at Southern Illinois (D2). Recently he has balled with a streetball outfit.

Rayshawn Reed, 6’1”, 175 pound guard – Reed, also known as ‘Ray-Ray’ is still the athletic finisher he was first at Georgetown then Cal State-Fullerton. To make his D-League return, Reed must not only continue displaying his defensive proclivity, but become more of a point guard.