THE ROAD TO THE G LEAGUE STARTS AT OPEN TRYOUTS

For some, it is the first step toward a professional basketball career. For others, it is an opportunity to prove they belong.

Basketball players from across the country arrive at the Texas Legends open tryouts with the same goal, to earn the opportunity to continue chasing their dream of playing professional basketball.

The path to the NBA G League is not the same for every player. Some arrive with professional experience. Others come directly from college or overseas leagues. Regardless of their background, open tryouts provide players with an opportunity to put their abilities on display in front of the Legends basketball staff.

Making an impression takes more than simply being able to score.

Players are evaluated on their basketball ability, but the evaluation goes beyond points, rebounds and assists. Coaches and basketball operations staff are looking for players who can make winning plays, understand the game, compete consistently and fit into a professional environment.

Defensive effort, communication, decision-making, toughness and the ability to play within a team environment can all separate one player from another.

Coach Nate Mitchell offered some insight into what he looks for at open tryouts.

“Can they fit a role? Can they shoot? Can they space the floor? Can they defend? Can they bring energy?” he said.

For players hoping to advance, the tryout is also an opportunity to demonstrate how they respond to coaching and how they handle the pressure of competing against other talented players who have arrived with the same objective.

An open tryout can bring together players with different experiences and playing styles, creating a unique environment where everyone is competing for the attention of the same coaching staff.

For some players, the goal is not necessarily to walk away with a roster spot immediately. It may be an invitation to continue through the evaluation process, an opportunity to be seen by the organization, or simply a chance to prove that they belong in the conversation.

The process is about earning the next opportunity. And for the players who stand out, that opportunity can become much bigger than a single weekend on the court.

Professional basketball careers can take unexpected paths. Players can spend years working toward an opportunity that may ultimately come down to a few possessions, a defensive stop or the way they respond after making a mistake.

That is what makes open tryouts unique. Everyone enters with a different story, but once the ball is tipped, the focus is the same, compete.

For the players who arrive in hopes of catching the attention of the staff, the tryout represents more than a basketball workout. It is a chance to turn preparation into opportunity, and opportunity into a professional career.

“We had a guy (in Toronto), Aaron Best, that started in our team that came from the tryouts. He started like 30 out of the 50 games, he’s in the ACB in Spain now”, said Mitchell. “He was a really good defender and he could shoot. He fit well with the other players.”

Among players who went from open tryout to an NBA/G League contract, Jonathan Simmons is the most notable. He tried out for the Austin Toros in 2013, which led to him signing with the San Antonio Spurs. He went on to start 69 of 258 career games across the Spurs, Magic, and 76ers organizations earning over $14 million.

The road to the NBA G League can start in many different places, for some, it starts right here.