I Spent 1 Week Trying Out for an NBA Team...

Jesser
7 Mar 202442:47

Summary

TLDRIn a week-long trial with the NBA G League team Ignite, the narrator immerses himself in the rigorous training, practice, and evaluation process alongside top prospects. Despite not making the final roster, he gains invaluable experience, earns the respect of the coaches and players, and secures a lasting connection with the team by having the Bucket Squad logo featured on their court. This journey is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Takeaways

  • 🏀 The narrator is participating in a week-long tryout with the NBA G League team Ignite, aiming to showcase his skills and potentially join the team.
  • 💪 The tryout involves various activities including practicing, weightlifting, and suiting up for games to evaluate the narrator's abilities.
  • 🏆 Ignite is designed for young players to transition from high school to the NBA, offering an alternate path to college with the potential to earn up to $500k in their first three years.
  • 🌟 The team has a history of success, with 10 draft picks in its first three years, including notable players like Jaylen Green and Scoot Henderson.
  • 🏋️‍♂️ The narrator's weightlifting session is a key part of the evaluation process, where his strength is compared to other players on the team.
  • 📈 The narrator's performance in strength tests, particularly his calf strength, impresses the coaching staff, ranking him third on the team.
  • 🏃‍♂️ Despite not being the strongest overall, the narrator's vertical jump and shooting skills are also evaluated as part of the tryout process.
  • 🤝 The narrator emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and tries to build rapport with the players and coaches, including gifting expensive headphones to the team.
  • 🎥 The narrator documents his experiences, including attending a ref clinic and participating in team practices, providing an inside look at the life of a professional basketball player.
  • 🏠 A unique perk of being on the Ignite team is having access to a personal apartment, showcasing the high-quality facilities and support provided to players.
  • 🚫 Ultimately, the narrator does not make the team, but is offered the opportunity to continue working out with the players and is honored with the Bucket Squad logo on the Ignite court.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the protagonist's week-long tryout with the NBA G League team Ignite?

    -The purpose of the tryout is for the protagonist to demonstrate his skills and prove that he has what it takes to potentially make the actual team and advance to the NBA.

  • What is unique about the NBA G League Ignite team?

    -Ignite is the NBA's new Developmental (D-League) team designed as an alternate path for top high school players to play against professionals and develop their skills, with the potential to earn up to $500k a year instead of going to college.

  • What was the protagonist's previous experience with the NBA?

    -The protagonist had previously tried out for the Golden State Warriors but was cut from the team.

  • What are some of the evaluations the protagonist underwent during the tryout?

    -The protagonist underwent evaluations including weightlifting, strength and conditioning tests, vertical jump measurements, and shooting drills.

  • How did the protagonist perform in the strength evaluation?

    -The protagonist performed well, ranking third on the team for calf strength.

  • What was the protagonist's strategy for impressing the coaches and players during the tryout?

    -The protagonist aimed to show his dedication by being the hardest worker, participating in all activities, and trying to make a good impression both on and off the court.

  • What was the protagonist's reaction to not making the team?

    -Although disappointed, the protagonist appreciated the opportunity and considered the experience a blessing, acknowledging the high level of talent on the team.

  • What was the outcome of the protagonist's meeting with the coach and GM after the tryout?

    -The protagonist was not selected for the team, but was offered the opportunity to continue working out with the players and was told that the bucket Squad logo would be placed on the Ignite court for the entire season.

  • What did the protagonist learn from his experience with the Ignite team?

    -The protagonist learned about the intense work ethic and dedication required at the professional level, as well as the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 NBA G-League Tryout Journey Begins

The narrator is excited about a week-long tryout with the NBA G-League team, Ignite, aiming to showcase his skills and potentially make the team. He emphasizes the importance of this opportunity, as Ignite serves as a pathway for young players to reach the NBA. The narrator's goal is to impress the team and make the Warriors regret cutting him from their roster. He arrives early to give a tour of the NBA weight room and prepare for his weightlifting session, where his strength will be evaluated and compared to other players.

05:00

💪 Weightlifting Evaluation and Practice

The narrator undergoes a weightlifting session, where his calf strength is evaluated and he ranks third on the team. Despite being last in upper body strength, he remains optimistic about his chances. He also meets an NBA scout and introduces himself, hoping to make a lasting impression. The narrator then transitions to practice, where he observes the team's defensive schemes and feels a sense of belonging despite not being on the roster.

10:03

🏠 Perks of Being on Ignite and Off-Day Preparation

The narrator highlights the perks of being on the Ignite team, such as having his own apartment and access to a state-of-the-art gym. Despite it being an off day for the players, he decides to use the practice facility to work on his game, aiming to be the hardest worker. He also prepares for a pre-season game, hoping to prove his value to the team.

15:03

🎽 Game Day Anticipation and Jersey Reveal

The narrator is thrilled to see his jersey for the first time and feels like a part of the team. He meets with the head coach, who emphasizes the need for hustle and teamwork. Despite being late to the ref clinic, the narrator is determined to make the most of his opportunity. He also discusses the importance of team chemistry and his plans to give gifts to the players.

20:04

🏀 Bench Energy and Game Experience

The narrator focuses on bringing energy to the bench during the game and supports his teammates. He is eager to get into the game but remains on the bench, using the opportunity to learn from the experience. Despite not playing, he enjoys the atmosphere and the chance to be part of the team's journey.

25:05

🏋️‍♂️ Training with NBA Veteran and Evaluation

The narrator trains with Eric, one of the strongest players on the team, and has a one-on-one session with a coach for evaluation. He receives advice from a veteran player about perseverance and the importance of not giving up. The narrator is determined to show his worth and improve his skills.

30:10

🤝 Team Player Role and Final Evaluation

The narrator is not active for the game but still supports his teammates during the shootaround and warm-up. He takes on the role of a team player, offering to help in any way he can. Despite not making the team, he is grateful for the opportunity and the connections he has made.

35:11

🌟 Reflecting on the Tryout Experience

The narrator meets with the coach and GM to discuss his tryout. Although he is not selected for the team, he is appreciative of the opportunity and the experience. He is told that the doors are open for him to work out with the team in the future and that the bucket Squad logo will be placed on the Ignite court, symbolizing his connection to the team.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡NBA G-League

The NBA G-League is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. It serves as a training ground for players, coaches, officials, and front-office staff. In the video, the protagonist is trying out for the G-League team Ignite, which is a significant step towards his dream of making it to the NBA. The G-League is portrayed as a platform for young talent to develop and potentially be drafted into the NBA.

💡Ignite

Ignite is a team in the NBA G-League, specifically designed as an alternative path for top high school players to develop their skills against professional competition instead of going to college. It offers a unique opportunity for players to earn a salary while gaining experience and exposure. The protagonist's goal is to make the Ignite team, which he sees as his best path to the NBA.

💡Tryout

A tryout is an audition or evaluation process where athletes perform to showcase their skills and abilities in hopes of being selected for a team. In the context of the video, the protagonist is participating in a week-long tryout with the Ignite team, undergoing various physical and skill assessments to prove his worth and potential.

💡Evaluation

Evaluation in a sports context refers to the assessment of an athlete's performance, skills, and potential. It is a critical process for coaches and scouts to determine a player's fit and value to a team. The protagonist undergoes evaluations such as strength testing, shooting drills, and game performance to be considered for the team.

💡Team Chemistry

Team chemistry refers to the interpersonal relationships and dynamics among team members, which can significantly impact performance. It involves trust, communication, and cooperation. The protagonist attempts to build team chemistry by giving gifts to the players, aiming to create a positive environment and improve his chances of making the team.

💡Underdog

An underdog is a person or team that is considered less likely to win or succeed, often due to perceived disadvantages or lower status. In the video, the protagonist positions himself as an underdog, using this mindset to fuel his determination and prove his worth to the team.

💡Work Ethic

Work ethic refers to an individual's attitude and approach towards their work, including their commitment, diligence, and discipline. The protagonist demonstrates a strong work ethic by consistently showing up early, working hard, and staying positive throughout the tryout process.

💡Vertical Jump

Vertical jump is a measure of an athlete's explosive power, specifically how high they can jump vertically from a stationary position. It is a crucial physical attribute for basketball players, affecting their ability to shoot, rebound, and block shots. The protagonist's vertical jump is tested as part of his physical evaluation.

💡Shooting Drill

A shooting drill is a practice exercise designed to improve a basketball player's shooting accuracy and consistency. It often involves taking a series of shots from various spots on the court under controlled conditions. The protagonist participates in a shooting drill to showcase his shooting skills.

💡Game Day

Game day refers to the day when a sports event, such as a basketball game, takes place. It is a high-pressure situation where athletes' skills and preparation are tested in a real match. The protagonist is eager to perform well on game day to prove his value to the team.

Highlights

Recruitment to a week-long tryout with the NBA G League team Ignite

Ignite is designed for young players to transition to the NBA

Previous tryout with the Warriors and the goal to make them regret the decision

Exclusive access to the NBA weight room and training facilities

Evaluation of strength and skills compared to other players on the team

Meeting with the General Manager of Ignite

Impressive calf strength ranking third on the team

Last place in upper body strength but aiming to improve

Vertical jump test and the desire to improve

Introduction to an NBA scout and the importance of networking

Receiving advice from veteran player on making the team

Preparation for the pre-season game and the importance of team chemistry

Late arrival to the ref clinic and the learning experience

Excitement over receiving a jersey and the feeling of being part of the team

Coach's advice to hustle and be a good team player

Not being active for the game but still supporting the team

Post-game meeting with the coach and GM to discuss the future

Not making the team but the offer to continue working out with them

Bucket Squad logo placement on the Ignite court

Transcripts

00:00

I've been recruited to a weekl long try

00:02

out with the most exclusive NBA g-

00:04

league team ignite I will be doing

00:06

everything that the players are doing

00:07

from practicing to weightlifting to

00:10

suiting up on game day so they can

00:12

evaluate my skills and see if I have

00:13

what it takes to make the actual

00:17

team practice is about to start so let's

00:20

go making this team would be my absolute

00:23

best path to making it to the NBA this

00:25

team is literally meant for young

00:26

players to get to the NBA so I need to

00:28

make this team to make my dreams come

00:30

true for those of you who don't know

00:32

ignite is the NBA's new DA team it's an

00:34

alternate path for top players coming

00:36

out of high school to get a chance to

00:37

play against real pros and make up to

00:39

500k a year instead of going to college

00:42

in their first three years they had 10

00:43

draft picks more than any program or

00:46

college in that time frame including

00:47

Jaylen green at the number two pick and

00:49

Scoot Henderson at the number three pick

00:51

also I have to make the Warriors regret

00:53

cutting me from the team never forget I

00:56

tried out for the Warriors and they cut

00:58

me I think you were really close

01:00

but I got to say I don't quite think

01:02

we'll get there but you know I will make

01:04

them regret it I pulled up 2 hours early

01:07

my weightlifting time is at 11:00 but

01:09

you know I always have exclusive access

01:10

so I'm going to show you guys what an

01:11

NBA weight room is like when they're

01:13

working out let's go for my

01:15

weightlifting session they're going to

01:16

be evaluating my strength and comparing

01:18

it to the other players on the team to

01:19

see where I stack up and all I'm going

01:21

to say y'all will be surprised just

01:28

wait

01:40

[Music]

01:44

yes

01:45

yes three

01:47

more five

01:50

more I had to push these guys they could

01:52

be my future teammates it be hype in

01:55

there everyone's

01:58

screaming I'm ready to get in there the

02:01

players are going over their plays and

02:02

stuff so I'm in the rate room with my

02:04

guy Ernie director of performance so

02:06

it's my first day what do you do on the

02:08

first day man first day we're going to

02:09

get you uh just to do a little warmup

02:11

you're going to get an intro into how

02:13

the training is going to be I'm going to

02:15

get you to do some assessments so we're

02:16

going to do some testing to get a

02:18

baseline measure you ready I'm ready so

02:20

I can compare my staff to the other

02:21

players exactly exactly in the

02:23

background working out is modest buellis

02:25

who is a projected top five pick in the

02:27

2024 NBA draft there was some serious

02:30

Talent on this ignite team and I have to

02:32

impress them keep going keep

02:35

going perfect bring that knee up bring

02:38

that knee up good I love leg day love

02:42

leg day I'm like sh extend that leg back

02:45

yeah which

02:47

one go how' that feel good good feelm

02:50

warm boys something huge is about to

02:52

happen the general manager of ignite

02:55

walked into the wait room M what up at

02:59

the end of the day he is the person who

03:01

decides who is on the team so oh my God

03:04

I need to make a good impression this is

03:05

my first time meeting him I'm here with

03:07

the GM of ignite so when you're

03:09

recruiting what are you looking for

03:11

talent okay got that physical

03:13

athleticism right got to be able to jump

03:16

run cut all that stuff you got to want

03:18

to be here so what does that mean right

03:20

that means like I want to play with

03:22

other great players I want NBA

03:24

competition I want to be coached I want

03:27

to be Max prepared to come into League I

03:28

want to be a pro before I can be a pro

03:31

anywhere else I think I got all of

03:33

those does he does he I genuinely have

03:36

all of those things like I'm not even

03:37

trying to be funny or anything I have

03:39

that you invited me to this Tri out you

03:41

must have seen something you're right

03:44

yes sir the GM seems to think I'm joking

03:47

but I do have what it takes to join this

03:49

team and the first step to proving that

03:51

is nailing these evaluations time to get

03:53

my stats track to compare the first

03:55

thing they did was track my height and

03:56

weight which is 62 1/2 205 lb I've got a

04:00

Luca build but 5 in shorter but I'm

04:02

still Steph Curry's height we're going

04:03

to test your Solus strength I never

04:06

heard that word before goal is to beat

04:07

mattis's score oh that's tough you hear

04:09

him M impossible impossible bro my CS

04:12

are bigger than yours I don't

04:16

need modest just cuz you're top five

04:18

projected doesn't mean you have better

04:20

Cales than me that's one of my

04:22

superpowers so go ahead and get in your

04:24

position sit down so it's on you now

04:26

ready ready and go up up up up up up ah

04:31

oh he's going dude watching this back is

04:35

actually painful I have a death

04:38

scream that is the most annoying scream

04:41

ever like it it doesn't sound tough at

04:43

all sounds like I'm dying this thing

04:45

hurts like where am I at yeah so 3200

04:48

Peak Force maximum force in Newton wait

04:51

what am I at you're at 3100 I think

04:54

you're damn if if modest was top three

04:57

and I beat modest that means I'm

04:58

probably number one might have the

05:00

strongest Cavs on the team

05:02

hey okay oh he's oh he went and got it

05:07

yeah is that higher that's the highest

05:10

I've seen oh 3700 let's go that's

05:14

impressive you know it's good when the

05:16

weight liting coach is saying that's

05:17

impressive my Cals are no joke bro

05:21

number three on the team out of 15 don't

05:24

sleep on me like bro KN better sign me

05:26

right away or the Cavaliers are going to

05:28

be looking at me with the way my Cals

05:29

are

05:31

keep going keep going keep going yep now

05:32

come back come up come

05:34

up oh my God now come up fast you can

05:36

fast you can y stand talk top keep your

05:39

core tight keep your core tight

05:41

hey bro that thing pulls you down uhhuh

05:46

go and get it yeah let's go let's go

05:50

come on hey yes sir oh yeah let's go my

05:55

goal is two plates eventually it will

05:57

happen eventually just pull up as hard

05:58

as you can ready go up up up up up up up

06:01

up up up

06:02

up that's it not as strong as my Cavs I

06:06

was going to say I was going to say

06:08

that's a this is a little bit different

06:10

number three on the team for Cavs last

06:13

place for upper body it's not good at

06:15

all that I'm last place for upper body

06:17

strength but hopefully my calvs can make

06:19

up for it the last stat that the

06:21

coaching staff needs is my vertical jump

06:23

so we're going to test that down fast up

06:25

high and let's go get hey yep now big

06:28

jump big jump let's get it big jump hey

06:31

I think that might have been it

06:33

12.5 we're going to keep working on that

06:35

one you dude I got to say jumping with

06:38

my hands on my hips not used to that

06:40

12.5 though I got to work on that don't

06:43

tell coach about that one I won't tell

06:44

coach about that I won't tell about tell

06:46

my CS I'll tell him about I'm going tell

06:47

them about the peak force on that one

06:49

all right yeah let them know the

06:50

evaluations are definitely important but

06:52

it's nowhere near as important as how

06:54

well I play on game day so as long as I

06:56

can perform on our game day I'm in I'm

06:59

making the team after the weightlifting

07:01

it was time for practice when I walked

07:03

into the gym I noticed an NBA Scout so I

07:05

had to introduce myself hello hello just

07:08

want to introduce myself Jesse I know

07:11

that I'm not on the roster but if you

07:13

want to write down my name jesser I am

07:15

trying out for the team and I am trying

07:17

to make it to the draft so I just wanted

07:19

to keep that in mind you're Scouting For

07:21

the um P for the Portland Trailblazers

07:24

they could really use someone like me

07:25

I'm a knockdown shooter I'm a great

07:28

teammate

07:29

all got it nice to meet you good luck to

07:32

you thank you

07:35

[Music]

07:50

awesome getting loose I'm ready oh no no

07:55

I'm not warmed

07:57

yet y'all s step like crazy you really

08:01

like me moving mine is so

08:07

light yes sir now the boys are working

08:09

on defensive schemes different plays

08:11

like that so I'm not in this drill right

08:13

here just get an inside look of what

08:15

this looks

08:25

like it is

08:28

intense

08:37

crazy they're just all practicing and

08:39

they don't even know I got the third

08:41

strongest calf on the team that's crazy

08:43

to me like they don't even know listen

08:45

to this this so I they got all my stats

08:48

for the weightlifting I got the third

08:50

strongest Cavs on the team he's

08:53

going why why would that not be a good

08:55

thing W wa he's saying our team weak or

08:58

am I just really strong who's number one

09:00

you know number one you're looking at

09:01

him you have one I me I got one that's a

09:05

good point bro I literally had to let

09:08

everybody know about my Cals damn now

09:11

it's time to hop into practice I had to

09:12

make a good first impression if I was

09:14

going to make the team oh got make

09:18

[Music]

09:22

three okay during the shooting drill a

09:25

huge opportunity came up the head coach

09:28

of ignite Jason Hart he's an X NBA

09:30

player he came up and started rebounding

09:33

this is the perfect opportunity to show

09:34

him I have an amazing jump shot because

09:37

if I make this team I'm going to be a

09:38

spot up shooter yes

09:42

sir okay let's

09:47

go

09:52

hey ti no I'm not tired yeah yeah

10:03

bring it up bring it up bring it up I

10:04

got to the top making two in a row and I

10:06

got stck go man go yes sir right in

10:09

front of Coach too you know what I'm

10:10

saying the energy is good it's all about

10:12

competition and competing and practice

10:14

so we can get better if you do your

10:16

thing that's not good for our thing and

10:19

it's only about our thing that'll make

10:21

your thing look good they always end

10:23

practice with someone reading out a

10:24

motivational quote to everybody and they

10:27

picked me bro the most a award person I

10:30

was not ready for this yes sir to the

10:33

middle what am I doing

10:36

theid what is the quote at the top of

10:39

the page Oh Hey listen up fellas no

10:42

matter the

10:43

[Applause]

10:47

circumstances this P to watch oh God hey

10:52

I got a quote of the day for

10:55

y'all of the Day quote of the day

11:00

no matter the circumstances that you may

11:02

be going through just push through it

11:04

Ray

11:07

Lewis together three 1 2 3 together

11:10

let's go watching this video made me

11:12

realize I have a nervous tick that tick

11:14

is saying yes sir and nodding my head

11:18

yes sir that's how you know I'm nervous

11:21

much appreciated y thanks so I did all

11:23

my weightlifting did all my baselines

11:25

just wanted to tell you that I have the

11:27

third strongest Cals on the team just

11:29

want to put that out there I beat modest

11:31

you working hard I'm working hard keep

11:33

working he's working hard we keep

11:34

working sir I feel like I'm making a

11:36

great impression with head coach this is

11:38

going really well after that I wanted to

11:40

get some advice from one of the players

11:41

dink who's actually the youngest

11:43

professional basketball player in all of

11:45

America he should be a senior in high

11:47

school right now but instead he's

11:48

playing for a night what do I need to do

11:50

to make the team uh I say show up here

11:52

every day put the work in just like how

11:54

you did today you let coach get your

11:56

rebound so he can see you boom all day

11:58

long yes sir now let's head back to the

12:01

apartment so a really cool perk about

12:03

being on the ignite team is you actually

12:05

get your own apartment so all of the

12:07

players are staying in this building and

12:09

they actually gave me one of the

12:10

apartments to stay at during this so let

12:12

me show you guys around welcome it's

12:14

actually so nice you walk into the

12:17

kitchen has a beautiful Island right

12:19

here with the granite you can do some

12:21

cooking you know they got team meals

12:23

want a little home style very nice

12:25

balcony all the way in the distance you

12:27

can see Las Vegas the strip across the

12:30

way you actually have access to Lifetime

12:32

Athletic which is a massive gym they got

12:35

saunas in there we got to check it out

12:36

definitely going to go over there at one

12:38

point but for real this is such a nice

12:40

apartment like just being on the team

12:42

there's so many perks after today's

12:43

workout your boy needs a nap so I'll see

12:45

you in a bit it is day two now today is

12:49

a off day the players have absolutely

12:52

nothing but I'm not taking an off day

12:54

I'm not a player on the team I'm trying

12:56

out so I need to keep working hard get

12:58

better better I need to be the hardest

12:59

working person there so I reserved time

13:01

at their practice facility I'm going to

13:03

get in workout and I'm going to give you

13:04

guys a tour of the practice facility cuz

13:07

I think it's super interesting just

13:08

showing you guys what it's really like

13:10

to be a professional athlete on a team

13:12

like this the things they have access to

13:14

so I'm excited to get that workout in

13:15

maybe I'll do some recovery after that

13:17

but today's going to be a quick day just

13:19

preparing for game day tomorrow they got

13:22

my jersey ready in case coach calls my

13:24

name bro that's where I could really

13:26

prove

13:27

myself so we have made it to their

13:30

practice facility the basketball court

13:32

is massive see the little welcome GLE

13:34

night at the top okay it's super

13:36

interesting it's actually the local

13:38

community center but they've taken over

13:39

the basketball court they have a private

13:41

locker room here they also have access

13:43

to their private weight room but also

13:45

they have like rock climbing here they

13:47

have people doing yogas I'm super sore

13:50

from yesterday's workout so no more

13:51

weightlifting but I'm going to go get

13:53

some shots

13:57

up

13:59

[Music]

14:09

[Music]

14:11

tomorrow is going to be a big day it is

14:13

the pre-season game the moment I've been

14:15

waiting for I've got to try to get in

14:17

the game so I can prove my value to the

14:19

team I'm nice bro put me in the corner

14:21

I'm hitting a three I'm also excited I'm

14:24

building my team chemistry tomorrow I

14:26

once saw LeBron James surprise the

14:28

entire te Team USA with Beats headphones

14:31

they were all wearing it on the plane I

14:32

was like I need to do something like

14:34

that so this is what I did I spent

14:37

$110,000 on the nicest headphones I

14:39

could possibly find made gift bags threw

14:42

some bucket Squad shorts the best

14:43

basketball shorts in the world in there

14:45

and I was going to give it to all the

14:46

players to build chemistry I feel like a

14:48

2K in my career like I do this act I get

14:50

like plus 10 chemistry there's also a

14:52

ref Clinic didn't know this was a thing

14:54

but the refs talk to all the players

14:56

about rule changes going into the year

14:58

what they're looking for so I'm going to

15:00

document that like as a regular fan I

15:02

had no idea that was a thing so I'm

15:03

super curious to see what that is and I

15:05

get to see my jersey for the very first

15:08

time oh my God I'm so excited it's going

15:11

to be a big day I'll see you in the

15:14

morning all right we' made it to the

15:16

locker room that side is the legit

15:19

locker room but I'm still trying out so

15:21

I'm over here oh my God it is beautiful

15:25

the jesser Jersey what something I never

15:29

thought I'd see in my life NBA G League

15:33

17 jesser ignite got the full fit and

15:37

this is their new city uniforms which is

15:39

so dope let's go bro I really feel like

15:41

a part of the team right now dude that

15:43

is literally a dream come true you know

15:47

maybe if I can't do well on the court I

15:49

can do well in the locker room you know

15:51

I might be the 15th man just there to

15:53

give motivational

15:56

speeches I'm doing everything I can do

15:58

to make the team pretty much is what I'm

16:00

saying what's up you man good to see you

16:02

you too man big alert people head coach

16:05

Jason Hart just walked into the locker

16:07

room you ready to play yes sir hey I'm

16:10

ready there you go what are you looking

16:11

for today I need you to hustle I need

16:13

you to hustle I need you to be a good

16:14

team guy if you open shoot it 100% if

16:17

you open shoot it if you're not open

16:18

pass it play defense all right have fun

16:20

more importantly let's go say less hey

16:22

I'm ready I'm fired up here brother got

16:25

your uniform yes sir you ready big

16:27

number 17 and I have house yes sir well

16:30

have fun man Havey you can hang with us

16:32

today yes sir appreciate the opportunity

16:34

man come on did he just say if I'm open

16:36

shoot it like I'm about to get in the

16:38

game are you serious right now like I'm

16:40

not I'm not tripping he said that right

16:41

he said

16:42

that hey BBE I will get in the game dude

16:45

head coach just came in and really said

16:47

that to me what dude I'm I'm so hyped up

16:51

at this point I'm stupidly locked in you

16:53

got the earphones them is sweet man they

16:55

going they going to really appreciate

16:57

that

17:00

[Music]

17:05

this is the best team met I've ever had

17:07

you hear that

17:09

[Music]

17:13

crazy I'll see you all on Wednesday bro

17:15

I'll be there practice team chemistry

17:18

plus

17:18

five all of the sudden I realized I was

17:21

late to the ref clinic so I had to

17:23

Sprint over there pretty much what the

17:25

ref clinic is at the start of each

17:27

season the ref go over any rule changes

17:29

or things they're looking for just

17:31

having a clear communication between the

17:32

refs and players I didn't even know this

17:34

was a thing so it's so cool having this

17:36

access and seeing all these little

17:38

things like regular people like me don't

17:40

know about we got to get the handles

17:42

warm boys the MBA ball is so different

17:45

to like your regular high school ball

17:47

whatever you use they like genuine

17:49

leather and they're much more slippery

17:50

than a regular ball competition today is

17:52

the Iowa wolves the gie team of the

17:55

Minnesota timber wolves hey coach can I

17:57

hop in huh can I hop in yep right right

18:00

just get W bet bet bet I'm ready I'm

18:03

ready I got to know my place for some

18:04

reason coach didn't want me to get my

18:06

jumper warm maybe he knows I don't need

18:08

it so I decided to rebound be helpful in

18:11

any way I can I got to put my jersey on

18:14

I'll see you in a bit for real yeah I'm

18:16

here I don't know if I'll get any

18:18

minutes but I'll be on the bench let's

18:20

go I'm a team player now the shoot

18:23

around was done it was time to suit up

18:25

boys it's time for game time give me a b

18:28

drop man here it is people fully kitted

18:32

up boom look at me in my uniform they

18:35

literally gave me the most massive

18:37

Jersey I swear it was like a 3XL it was

18:40

honestly way too big for me it made me

18:42

look small which is not good D I feel

18:45

great bro I'm ready to get out there you

18:48

yeah real play

18:52

bro got his on it

18:54

too 17 my favorite number I've just

18:57

always been 17 since I was young y'all

19:00

had 17 open I was in my locker room area

19:02

for a while talking to modest and Eric

19:04

who were injured for the game and I

19:05

didn't realize everyone had left the

19:07

locker room and was out on the floor

19:10

this is bad I'm still in the locker room

19:12

so I had to sprint out there you're late

19:15

bro I'm late how am I I keep getting

19:18

late and I barely made it to the

19:22

Huddle on 1

19:25

2 yes sir you ready oh I messed up bro

19:28

they were distracting me Eric and matis

19:31

dude I'm so mad so because of that

19:33

didn't make it to the starting lineup

19:34

which I didn't expect I'm trying out

19:36

they're not going to throw me in there

19:37

yes

19:41

sir good cut hey let's go Ron well Ron's

19:46

a bucket if you don't know about Ron Ron

19:48

Holland is an absolute monster he's also

19:51

a projected top five pick in next year's

19:53

NBA draft there's some real hoopers man

19:55

dude I love the bench energy everyone's

19:57

getting hype I'm not used to a hype

19:58

bench bro usually the bench is

20:01

quiet all

20:03

right swing it ellot good shot good

20:09

shot

20:12

[Applause]

20:16

[Music]

20:20

yeah let's go damn my main objective on

20:23

the bench was just to bring as much

20:25

energy as possible

20:29

good shot hey let's

20:33

[Music]

20:38

go let's go yes sir they subing in did

20:42

Coach call me or am I tripping I'm

20:44

tripping hey I got yall some exclusive

20:47

footage this is what it's like in a

20:49

Timeout for an NBA

20:51

team hey on the post of ler he's a good

20:53

player you kind a three quarter we don't

20:55

want no get nobody just an easy post

20:57

people work work on their game okay

20:59

don't come don't come too far I said

21:00

about right here Ron you going to come

21:01

over the top and Tyler you going to

21:03

clean them up going to be wi open for a

21:05

shot you going to make the pass so you

21:08

got you got Ron wide open or you going

21:09

to have Tyler heading it for John

21:13

go keep talking on defense keep talking

21:15

helping each other out on Def guys look

21:18

how stupidly locked in I am I'm so ready

21:21

to go whatever the team needs I'm

21:24

[Music]

21:27

there

21:29

good

21:31

[Music]

21:35

move I got a question for you how do you

21:38

say yes in

21:40

[Applause]

21:42

Spanish at the end of the first quarter

21:45

it was a very close game I still haven't

21:47

gotten in yet but that doesn't matter

21:48

look how locked in I am man just played

21:50

let's get up and down and the ball got

21:52

to be hot all right the ball got to be

21:53

hot that's it man we getting good shots

21:55

got to make the ball hot don't hold it

21:59

put me in the game I feel that

22:03

[Music]

22:07

bro

22:10

it let's

22:13

go

22:20

[Music]

22:26

inside

22:28

[Applause]

22:33

[Music]

22:40

damn why was he yelling like

22:43

that no for real though can we get a

22:45

replay of

22:48

that that's got to be a flop hey Leonard

22:50

that that elbow feeling

22:52

weird I definitely got into Leonard's

22:54

head with that one you already know he's

22:56

thinking about his elbow it's going to

22:58

mess up his jump shot I'm helping the

22:59

team without even being in the

23:02

game oh good

23:07

block hey let's

23:11

go oh yeah another one another

23:15

[Music]

23:18

one easy easy get is that he wants the

23:23

jumper instead the layup ni

23:26

little

23:32

[Applause]

23:33

oh

23:35

damn not not oh good shot good

23:45

shot yes

23:49

sir yes sir back to back they need a

23:54

time out bro b to B threes we just went

23:56

crazy there only down by four

24:12

let's

24:18

go and it was now halftime and the team

24:20

goes back to the locker room but coach

24:22

told me to stay warm and stay on the

24:24

bench little confused I didn't go back

24:26

there but I listened to coach okay you

24:28

got to respect what he

24:29

says you open Sho hey maybe I will get

24:32

in the game so as long as I can perform

24:35

on our game day I'm in I'm making the

24:38

team but no it's actually so sick bro

24:41

just being on the bench is like such a

24:43

dope experience I love it I'm having so

24:45

much fun it's halftime right now we are

24:47

down by 11 points it's intense bro these

24:50

games are no joke hey got hey you got to

24:53

hustle you're not hustling man you got

24:54

you got to get back on defense man I'm

24:56

you put me in

24:58

you got to get back I've giv so many

25:00

high fives but in practice you ain't

25:01

been hustling man you got to give me a

25:02

hustle man I'm sorry in practice he

25:05

ain't hustling that's why he ain't game

25:06

right now let me my first I know but see

25:09

you looking a little nervous I don't

25:10

know so practice you never practice all

25:12

right I'm going keep giving out high

25:13

five room for the team appreciate it man

25:15

I've tring trash to them I'm getting the

25:16

other team I'm going to throw you in

25:18

there now okay I'm ready he really said

25:20

I'm going throw you in there coach

25:21

wouldn't just say something like that

25:22

this second half I need to prove myself

25:24

I just need an opportunity what's up man

25:27

what up make it to what bro I'm trying

25:29

bro I'm trying my best so you going to

25:32

like well I mean coach isn't putting me

25:34

in the game but you know I'm like I'm

25:36

trying I got to get that luck the moment

25:38

it's about the luck it's about the

25:39

position you're put in you never you got

25:42

to be always ready yeah you always got

25:44

make it just keep grinding and wait for

25:46

the shot and it's going to come what was

25:48

your name

25:49

again pleas to meet you take care bro he

25:52

was lowkey scouting me hey matus the

25:54

other team wants me bro he he told me

25:56

that if I don't make it

25:58

lying I'm not lying I'm not lying he's

26:02

scouting me you think coach needs water

26:04

hell no

26:06

don't I'm ready F hey fast I'm fast you

26:10

can do a better job at handing out some

26:12

water though I could do better you

26:14

haven't even seen me in the game yet

26:15

though hand two hand the cross you don't

26:19

understand I'm Elite bro NBA Celebrity

26:22

Game Richard Jefferson he was on me

26:24

couldn't guard me S him Carlos Boozer

26:27

did way better than him talking about

26:28

NBA legends bro I was out there on the

26:30

court with them I was doing my thing

26:32

make sure the seat is warm enough for

26:33

the next

26:35

minut bet bet bet I got you this this is

26:38

how you know I'm a good bench player I

26:39

can War Two at

26:41

once I was holding down the bench for

26:43

y'all kept it warm at the end of the day

26:46

you have to respect your coaches always

26:48

and you got to do what they say so went

26:49

to pass out

26:50

water you need you need any

26:53

[Music]

26:54

water need some water oh you got one

26:57

pour myself

27:01

one I'm holding it down coach you need

27:04

some

27:05

water

27:08

okay Z baby defense on three 1 2 three

27:11

def 15 through go let's get this

27:14

[Music]

27:21

St let's

27:26

go

27:28

[Music]

27:30

hey hey that was a nice dunk I got to

27:33

respect it you think coach don't me in

27:35

there

27:37

no bro I can hang with y'all bro I'm

27:40

telling you you're not ready for this

27:41

this is different man I'm

27:46

[Music]

27:54

[Applause]

27:56

different

28:03

the game started to get extremely

28:05

intense at this point in the fourth

28:07

quarter we were down by 30 points which

28:09

is obviously awful but it means I might

28:11

get a chance to get in the game cuz you

28:12

know we're

28:21

down oh my god oh too bad maybe next

28:26

time next time and that was the end of

28:29

the game unfortunately I didn't get in

28:32

30 point loss very tough loss sad scenes

28:34

right now I did what I could do on the

28:36

bench I tried to give the support I

28:37

could give I still had two more days to

28:39

try and impress the coaches but not

28:41

getting in this one it hurt we are back

28:44

boys did not play in the scrimmage and

28:46

coach said I wasn't hustling hard enough

28:49

before today I was hoping the game would

28:50

be when I got my moment but I guess

28:52

coach didn't think I was ready seeing

28:54

how well the guys played it's hard not

28:56

to feel like he was right tomorrow I'm

28:58

going to hustle harder than anyone in

29:00

the room to prove to coach and to myself

29:02

that I belong here because the more time

29:04

I spend with this team the more I

29:06

realize being a part of it in any way

29:08

would be a dream and then on Friday

29:10

after the game I'll be finding out if I

29:12

made the team or didn't make the team

29:15

tomorrow's a huge day bro got to show

29:17

why I'm meant to be there day four it's

29:20

a new opportunity for me so for this day

29:22

it's a practice day they wanted me to

29:24

waight list with Eric ma the strongest

29:26

dude on the team then after that have a

29:28

one-on-one training session with one of

29:30

the coaches so we can evaluate my skills

29:32

and I need to do good because tomorrow

29:35

is the official game day and then after

29:37

that I'm also going to learn if I make

29:38

the team or not so this is a huge

29:40

opportunity for me we're started it off

29:42

in the wait room all right with my boy

29:44

Eric upper body every day baby every

29:45

single day that's the way to do it I

29:47

stopped doing late day last year

29:48

hopefully coach didn't hear

29:55

that we go

29:59

[Music]

30:09

keep he's Shing the burn he's going me

30:12

Yol he's not going to be all calves

30:14

after this yes sir calves and Shoulders

30:16

Baby he's going to be built like one of

30:18

these dumbbells look shoulders calves

30:26

that's

30:33

nice let's go one of the big adjustments

30:36

know of like jumping up a level like

30:38

whether you're going from high school to

30:39

college or college to Pro is like you've

30:42

never lifted or conditioned or worked

30:45

that hard and then been expected to then

30:48

like go practice like you have like a

30:52

single workout you know I remember when

30:54

I went to college I was like I was

30:56

probably like 2:15 right I was like

30:58

super thin and that whole summer was

31:00

like was hell for me because we'd lift

31:02

so hard and conditioned so hard and it

31:05

was like all right now we have practice

31:07

I was like what in high school that

31:08

would have been my whole week of work

31:10

you know what I mean now it's like just

31:11

one morning prepping for practice so at

31:14

each level you just work so much harder

31:15

yeah the the the physical the need to to

31:19

catch up to the physicality like that

31:21

Gap is so big that you just have to push

31:23

it like way harder than you have the

31:25

level before that so so it's all about

31:26

hard work each level you just got to

31:28

work harder that's right it is crazy

31:30

that they lift condition and then

31:31

practice I'm like that's tough yeah what

31:33

you saying they you're one of us one of

31:36

us one of us I'm hoping bro y'all got to

31:39

put in a good word with Coach you going

31:41

to try Baker shooting again or you just

31:43

got your workout with a mirr workout

31:45

with a miror well he's going to put you

31:46

through your final test to see final

31:48

test in front of the scouts yes there is

31:50

another Scout there today that'd be the

31:51

craziest Sports story of all time yeah I

31:54

was just kind of around with the

31:55

g-league ignite and and then I got

31:58

drafted and the then the Blazers called

32:00

me after a good weightlifting session I

32:02

headed down to the practice

32:05

court

32:06

damn damn okay let me get

32:12

one count that we going to count that

32:14

that's a rub Dum

32:16

yeah I can hang with these boys I I

32:20

dumped it like I pulled the side of my

32:22

body with it now it's time for me to get

32:24

evaluated by Amir Johnson he literally

32:26

played 15 years in the NBA had an

32:29

amazing career it is not easy to play 15

32:32

years in the league if I'm able to

32:33

impress this guy it's going to help my

32:35

chances a

32:37

lot I'm going to do

32:42

that there you go and one finish let's

32:48

go

32:51

nice ah all right I got a shoot drill

32:54

for you sort of like a conditioning

32:56

drill so so I call it the star drill you

32:58

might have seen Steph Curry do it a

33:00

little bit we ended up doing this really

33:01

difficult star shooting drill where you

33:03

pretty much run in a star formation

33:05

shooting three-pointers you got to make

33:06

10 it took me about 3 minutes to finish

33:08

the drill so didn't do as good as I

33:10

wanted to

33:11

do but it was tough on theg go NBA 3es

33:15

are no joke that's good work though man

33:16

you got hey appreciate it bro I

33:18

appreciate it the roster spot opens up

33:20

I'm here got to work out in with Coach

33:22

NBA player that was dope man I feel like

33:24

I did pretty decent in the drills I

33:25

hustled I worked hard that's all you can

33:27

ask for and then after that I went to go

33:30

talk to one of the Vets on the team

33:31

Jeremy Pargo what would be the biggest

33:33

advice you could give to the young guys

33:35

uh pretty much the same advice I just

33:36

gave to you don't stop you know it takes

33:38

one person to really appreciate what you

33:40

can do or what you can offer to a team

33:42

so you don't stop man you don't you

33:44

don't let no no one tell you you're not

33:46

good enough or or any of that it's going

33:48

to it's going to come a time where we're

33:49

going to have to understand like hey

33:51

maybe this isn't for me or maybe this

33:52

isn't the right thing to do but until

33:54

that time comes within you continue to

33:56

try I love that bro keep going don't

33:58

stop bro every time you fail it's not

34:00

even failing if you get up you're

34:02

getting better every time it's not

34:03

failing it's learning yeah about to say

34:05

there no failures it's lessons we all

34:07

learn lessons we appreciate you practice

34:10

is over for the day we're going straight

34:11

to day five today is the big day game

34:16

one of the season I have no idea what to

34:18

expect I might be on the bench with the

34:19

team I might get cut today I don't know

34:22

we're going to see when we get there we

34:23

got shoot around at 9:00 and the game

34:25

isn't until 7:00

34:27

after the game we'll see if I made the

34:29

team fingers crossed

34:32

boys right when I got to the arena media

34:35

had questions for me question for Jester

34:38

are you going to be playing in the game

34:39

tonight so I came ready to play today

34:41

but coach has informed me that I will

34:43

not be active today so I will not be

34:45

getting in the game but this is an

34:47

opportunity to show that I am a team

34:49

player on this team get my team ready

34:52

help them and shoot around do everything

34:53

I can do to help this team get a w

34:56

tonight all right follow-up question are

34:58

you on the roster I honestly don't know

35:00

I'm going to find out tonight I am not

35:02

active today but I'm still being

35:04

evaluated so I'm going to try to help

35:06

the team in any way that I can so I'm

35:08

going to see if any of them need some

35:09

rebounders right now cuz they're all

35:10

warming up for the game rebounded

35:12

started easy there was one dude and then

35:14

it ended up being me rebounding for like

35:16

five guys and I was still doing a good

35:18

job I'm proud of myself it's about the

35:20

small W's in life I've never been to an

35:22

NBA shoot around I was always under the

35:24

impression they shot around but they're

35:25

working on plays right here inbound

35:27

plays different things like that

35:29

honestly got a good sweat from

35:31

rebounding I was running all over the

35:32

place see what a coach has to say it's

35:34

going to be a good game today you know

35:35

how they going to come out I'm telling

35:36

you how they going to come out they come

35:37

out aggressive like last game just how

35:39

the game was finished that's how the

35:41

game going to start just how your mind

35:42

right you're here for a reason right

35:44

like you're here and they're only coming

35:46

at you cuz they wish they were here you

35:48

know what I mean like that that's a real

35:49

thing so have that Underdog mentality

35:52

come match their energy and and then use

35:55

what we have like we're younger we're

35:57

more athletic we're quicker I mean it'd

35:59

be a big deal if we can get an opening

36:00

night win so let's go get our first

36:03

[Applause]

36:05

one the Ops have entered shoot around

36:07

the Clippers are here we finished our

36:09

shoot around so it was their turn and as

36:11

they were walking by I was squaring them

36:13

up I was analyzing every detail about

36:16

the opponent since Sho round was over

36:18

though it was time to go back to the

36:19

apartment the team bus is going to leave

36:21

at 4:30 for the game at 7: so now it's

36:24

just chill time sure a lot of people are

36:26

just going to take some naps relax play

36:28

some video games get in the mental right

36:30

for the game

36:38

tonight see if someone's here for tunnel

36:41

picks tunnel picks one of the most

36:42

important parts of the game you ready

36:43

for the tunnel pick Let's

36:48

yes the honesty looks way better than me

36:51

I feel like the jersey look might not

36:53

have been it let's be

36:55

honest everyone wearing like the most

36:57

fire fits ever and then I was just

36:59

wearing a regular t-shirt cuz I

37:01

forgot I had my tights on in my tunnel f

37:05

for real that's how ready I

37:06

was and I can feel the energy it's

37:09

rising bro the energy night's logo is

37:11

charged up the lightning bolt I can feel

37:13

it let's go whatever anybody needs I'm

37:16

here thinking I could be water boy today

37:18

you need some water being with the team

37:21

for the week one thing I realized the

37:23

amount of shots they put up a day is

37:25

astonishing multiple shoot around just

37:27

constantly putting up shots getting the

37:29

consistency getting the Rhythm It's a

37:31

Grind man got the little team store down

37:33

here Oho there could be jesser jerseys

37:36

bro jesser jerseys flying off the shell

37:38

so before the game a lot of the guys

37:40

will get a weight lift session in so I

37:42

wanted to just capture that all the boys

37:43

in there grinding yes sir putting in the

37:46

work that's what it is man A freegame

37:49

Grind that must be the secret why NBA

37:51

players are always looking so jacked on

37:52

the court they literally get a pump

37:54

right before the game my main objective

37:57

during the game was just to be as good

37:58

of a team player as I possibly could be

38:00

I wasn't on the proper bench so it's a

38:02

bit hard but I can root for the boys if

38:04

they need water I'm there whatever I can

38:07

do to make sure when I hear the news

38:08

later that it's I made the team the boys

38:11

are getting warm bro the whole week has

38:14

led to this moment game day ignite first

38:17

Clippers I'm

38:20

excited oh yeah good

38:25

help

38:28

e oh my God

38:35

[Music]

38:39

Baba let's

38:42

[Music]

38:52

go that was

38:55

insane

38:59

[Music]

39:06

[Music]

39:11

unfortunate loss boys lost by seven

39:15

points heartbreaking man the boys played

39:18

their hearts out I'm proud of them I'm

39:20

proud of the team the GM just messaged

39:21

me that we're going to meet tomorrow

39:23

morning to decide my fate I'm excited

39:26

for tomorrow let's see what happens

39:28

ladies and gentlemen it all comes down

39:30

to this moment will my dreams come true

39:33

it was time for my meeting with the

39:35

coach and GM of the team coach GM what's

39:38

up J how you doing how going I'm excited

39:41

all right man come on here I have a seat

39:42

all right how you enjoy yourself oh man

39:44

this is a great week first of all I

39:45

appreciate the opportunity to come out

39:47

come try out with you guys you know best

39:48

team in the

39:49

league appreciate that what's going on

39:53

uh thank you for coming of course you

39:55

gave great effort

39:57

thank you you brought you brought heart

39:58

you're on time great habits sir thank

40:01

you as we both know ignite pretty

40:04

talented group of players definitely

40:06

really really tough to make the team so

40:09

coach and I talked it over

40:10

and the way that we see it you're not as

40:14

good of a shooter as John Jenkins okay

40:16

you're not as good of a Defender as Ron

40:18

Holland okay you're not as good of a

40:21

ball handler as London Johnson not as

40:23

fluid as Tyler Smith not as strong as is

40:26

Eric maik okay so we're going to have to

40:28

let you go understandable you know what

40:31

I appreciate the opportunity the fact

40:32

that y'all let me come out here try out

40:34

for the team didn't make it but the

40:36

opportunity is a blessing that's once in

40:38

a lifetime but you show great effort man

40:40

and the guys the guys appreciate it

40:41

having you around um I thought it was a

40:43

great experience for our guys to get to

40:45

know you as well but um our doors are

40:48

always open you're always free to come

40:49

hang and work out with our guys and we

40:52

just appreciate you man so anytime you

40:53

want to come to a game give me a call

40:55

Holler email

40:57

hey that means a lot no that really

40:58

means a lot that's all love right there

41:00

and you're going to be with us the whole

41:02

year in spirit with the bucket Squad

41:05

logo placed on the Baseline of every one

41:07

of our home games so you can be with us

41:08

on the journey towards the 2024 NBA

41:10

draft let's go that's insane F squad on

41:14

the court yeah let's go you know what I

41:17

ain't even bad I got I ain't even bad

41:20

it's a talented group of guys man I'm

41:21

6'2 he's got great CS he got great CS

41:24

got strong Cs on the team a jump jump

41:28

sir well appreciate y hly needs a lot

41:30

I'm going go check out the logo all

41:32

right

41:33

sir y I didn't make the team but I did

41:36

get a once in a lifetime opportunity to

41:38

go out there try out with the guys be

41:41

with them for a whole week it was such a

41:43

blessing and we're putting the bucket

41:45

Squad logo on the ignite court so let's

41:47

go check that out the logo is 99% done

41:50

just got to take off the rra here we go

41:53

bucket squad on the ignite Court

42:00

and the bucket Squad logo is really on

42:03

an NBA court the ignite court that is a

42:06

blessing a dream come true like the

42:08

future stars of the NBA are playing on

42:10

that Court they might hit a layup and

42:12

land on the bucket Squad logo that is so

42:14

cool that we are on a court our

42:16

community everything we've done and now

42:18

it is on their official court is amazing

42:20

it's a blessing I got to give the

42:22

biggest thank you to ignite for having

42:24

me out I'm going to put all of their

42:25

socials down below if you're in Nevada

42:27

if you're in Henderson go to some of

42:28

their games man they have such amazing

42:30

talent on there it's going to be the

42:32

future of the NBA you have to go check

42:34

them out follow their journey man the

42:35

g-league is awesome and if you want to

42:37

see me try out for the Warriors it is

42:40

popping up right there if you love this

42:41

video you are going to love that one as

42:43

well I love you guys so much thanks for

42:45

following me on the journey peace