I Spent 1 Week Trying Out for an NBA Team...
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
🏀 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.
💪 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.
🏠 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.
🎽 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.
🏀 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.
🏋️♂️ 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.
🤝 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.
🌟 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
💡Ignite
💡Tryout
💡Evaluation
💡Team Chemistry
💡Underdog
💡Work Ethic
💡Vertical Jump
💡Shooting Drill
💡Game Day
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
I've been recruited to a weekl long try
out with the most exclusive NBA g-
league team ignite I will be doing
everything that the players are doing
from practicing to weightlifting to
suiting up on game day so they can
evaluate my skills and see if I have
what it takes to make the actual
team practice is about to start so let's
go making this team would be my absolute
best path to making it to the NBA this
team is literally meant for young
players to get to the NBA so I need to
make this team to make my dreams come
true for those of you who don't know
ignite is the NBA's new DA team it's an
alternate path for top players coming
out of high school to get a chance to
play against real pros and make up to
500k a year instead of going to college
in their first three years they had 10
draft picks more than any program or
college in that time frame including
Jaylen green at the number two pick and
Scoot Henderson at the number three pick
also I have to make the Warriors regret
cutting me from the team never forget I
tried out for the Warriors and they cut
me I think you were really close
but I got to say I don't quite think
we'll get there but you know I will make
them regret it I pulled up 2 hours early
my weightlifting time is at 11:00 but
you know I always have exclusive access
so I'm going to show you guys what an
NBA weight room is like when they're
working out let's go for my
weightlifting session they're going to
be evaluating my strength and comparing
it to the other players on the team to
see where I stack up and all I'm going
to say y'all will be surprised just
wait
[Music]
yes
yes three
more five
more I had to push these guys they could
be my future teammates it be hype in
there everyone's
screaming I'm ready to get in there the
players are going over their plays and
stuff so I'm in the rate room with my
guy Ernie director of performance so
it's my first day what do you do on the
first day man first day we're going to
get you uh just to do a little warmup
you're going to get an intro into how
the training is going to be I'm going to
get you to do some assessments so we're
going to do some testing to get a
baseline measure you ready I'm ready so
I can compare my staff to the other
players exactly exactly in the
background working out is modest buellis
who is a projected top five pick in the
2024 NBA draft there was some serious
Talent on this ignite team and I have to
impress them keep going keep
going perfect bring that knee up bring
that knee up good I love leg day love
leg day I'm like sh extend that leg back
yeah which
one go how' that feel good good feelm
warm boys something huge is about to
happen the general manager of ignite
walked into the wait room M what up at
the end of the day he is the person who
decides who is on the team so oh my God
I need to make a good impression this is
my first time meeting him I'm here with
the GM of ignite so when you're
recruiting what are you looking for
talent okay got that physical
athleticism right got to be able to jump
run cut all that stuff you got to want
to be here so what does that mean right
that means like I want to play with
other great players I want NBA
competition I want to be coached I want
to be Max prepared to come into League I
want to be a pro before I can be a pro
anywhere else I think I got all of
those does he does he I genuinely have
all of those things like I'm not even
trying to be funny or anything I have
that you invited me to this Tri out you
must have seen something you're right
yes sir the GM seems to think I'm joking
but I do have what it takes to join this
team and the first step to proving that
is nailing these evaluations time to get
my stats track to compare the first
thing they did was track my height and
weight which is 62 1/2 205 lb I've got a
Luca build but 5 in shorter but I'm
still Steph Curry's height we're going
to test your Solus strength I never
heard that word before goal is to beat
mattis's score oh that's tough you hear
him M impossible impossible bro my CS
are bigger than yours I don't
need modest just cuz you're top five
projected doesn't mean you have better
Cales than me that's one of my
superpowers so go ahead and get in your
position sit down so it's on you now
ready ready and go up up up up up up ah
oh he's going dude watching this back is
actually painful I have a death
scream that is the most annoying scream
ever like it it doesn't sound tough at
all sounds like I'm dying this thing
hurts like where am I at yeah so 3200
Peak Force maximum force in Newton wait
what am I at you're at 3100 I think
you're damn if if modest was top three
and I beat modest that means I'm
probably number one might have the
strongest Cavs on the team
hey okay oh he's oh he went and got it
yeah is that higher that's the highest
I've seen oh 3700 let's go that's
impressive you know it's good when the
weight liting coach is saying that's
impressive my Cals are no joke bro
number three on the team out of 15 don't
sleep on me like bro KN better sign me
right away or the Cavaliers are going to
be looking at me with the way my Cals
are
keep going keep going keep going yep now
come back come up come
up oh my God now come up fast you can
fast you can y stand talk top keep your
core tight keep your core tight
hey bro that thing pulls you down uhhuh
go and get it yeah let's go let's go
come on hey yes sir oh yeah let's go my
goal is two plates eventually it will
happen eventually just pull up as hard
as you can ready go up up up up up up up
up up up
up that's it not as strong as my Cavs I
was going to say I was going to say
that's a this is a little bit different
number three on the team for Cavs last
place for upper body it's not good at
all that I'm last place for upper body
strength but hopefully my calvs can make
up for it the last stat that the
coaching staff needs is my vertical jump
so we're going to test that down fast up
high and let's go get hey yep now big
jump big jump let's get it big jump hey
I think that might have been it
12.5 we're going to keep working on that
one you dude I got to say jumping with
my hands on my hips not used to that
12.5 though I got to work on that don't
tell coach about that one I won't tell
coach about that I won't tell about tell
my CS I'll tell him about I'm going tell
them about the peak force on that one
all right yeah let them know the
evaluations are definitely important but
it's nowhere near as important as how
well I play on game day so as long as I
can perform on our game day I'm in I'm
making the team after the weightlifting
it was time for practice when I walked
into the gym I noticed an NBA Scout so I
had to introduce myself hello hello just
want to introduce myself Jesse I know
that I'm not on the roster but if you
want to write down my name jesser I am
trying out for the team and I am trying
to make it to the draft so I just wanted
to keep that in mind you're Scouting For
the um P for the Portland Trailblazers
they could really use someone like me
I'm a knockdown shooter I'm a great
teammate
all got it nice to meet you good luck to
you thank you
[Music]
awesome getting loose I'm ready oh no no
I'm not warmed
yet y'all s step like crazy you really
like me moving mine is so
light yes sir now the boys are working
on defensive schemes different plays
like that so I'm not in this drill right
here just get an inside look of what
this looks
like it is
intense
crazy they're just all practicing and
they don't even know I got the third
strongest calf on the team that's crazy
to me like they don't even know listen
to this this so I they got all my stats
for the weightlifting I got the third
strongest Cavs on the team he's
going why why would that not be a good
thing W wa he's saying our team weak or
am I just really strong who's number one
you know number one you're looking at
him you have one I me I got one that's a
good point bro I literally had to let
everybody know about my Cals damn now
it's time to hop into practice I had to
make a good first impression if I was
going to make the team oh got make
[Music]
three okay during the shooting drill a
huge opportunity came up the head coach
of ignite Jason Hart he's an X NBA
player he came up and started rebounding
this is the perfect opportunity to show
him I have an amazing jump shot because
if I make this team I'm going to be a
spot up shooter yes
sir okay let's
go
hey ti no I'm not tired yeah yeah
bring it up bring it up bring it up I
got to the top making two in a row and I
got stck go man go yes sir right in
front of Coach too you know what I'm
saying the energy is good it's all about
competition and competing and practice
so we can get better if you do your
thing that's not good for our thing and
it's only about our thing that'll make
your thing look good they always end
practice with someone reading out a
motivational quote to everybody and they
picked me bro the most a award person I
was not ready for this yes sir to the
middle what am I doing
theid what is the quote at the top of
the page Oh Hey listen up fellas no
matter the
[Applause]
circumstances this P to watch oh God hey
I got a quote of the day for
y'all of the Day quote of the day
no matter the circumstances that you may
be going through just push through it
Ray
Lewis together three 1 2 3 together
let's go watching this video made me
realize I have a nervous tick that tick
is saying yes sir and nodding my head
yes sir that's how you know I'm nervous
much appreciated y thanks so I did all
my weightlifting did all my baselines
just wanted to tell you that I have the
third strongest Cals on the team just
want to put that out there I beat modest
you working hard I'm working hard keep
working he's working hard we keep
working sir I feel like I'm making a
great impression with head coach this is
going really well after that I wanted to
get some advice from one of the players
dink who's actually the youngest
professional basketball player in all of
America he should be a senior in high
school right now but instead he's
playing for a night what do I need to do
to make the team uh I say show up here
every day put the work in just like how
you did today you let coach get your
rebound so he can see you boom all day
long yes sir now let's head back to the
apartment so a really cool perk about
being on the ignite team is you actually
get your own apartment so all of the
players are staying in this building and
they actually gave me one of the
apartments to stay at during this so let
me show you guys around welcome it's
actually so nice you walk into the
kitchen has a beautiful Island right
here with the granite you can do some
cooking you know they got team meals
want a little home style very nice
balcony all the way in the distance you
can see Las Vegas the strip across the
way you actually have access to Lifetime
Athletic which is a massive gym they got
saunas in there we got to check it out
definitely going to go over there at one
point but for real this is such a nice
apartment like just being on the team
there's so many perks after today's
workout your boy needs a nap so I'll see
you in a bit it is day two now today is
a off day the players have absolutely
nothing but I'm not taking an off day
I'm not a player on the team I'm trying
out so I need to keep working hard get
better better I need to be the hardest
working person there so I reserved time
at their practice facility I'm going to
get in workout and I'm going to give you
guys a tour of the practice facility cuz
I think it's super interesting just
showing you guys what it's really like
to be a professional athlete on a team
like this the things they have access to
so I'm excited to get that workout in
maybe I'll do some recovery after that
but today's going to be a quick day just
preparing for game day tomorrow they got
my jersey ready in case coach calls my
name bro that's where I could really
prove
myself so we have made it to their
practice facility the basketball court
is massive see the little welcome GLE
night at the top okay it's super
interesting it's actually the local
community center but they've taken over
the basketball court they have a private
locker room here they also have access
to their private weight room but also
they have like rock climbing here they
have people doing yogas I'm super sore
from yesterday's workout so no more
weightlifting but I'm going to go get
some shots
up
[Music]
[Music]
tomorrow is going to be a big day it is
the pre-season game the moment I've been
waiting for I've got to try to get in
the game so I can prove my value to the
team I'm nice bro put me in the corner
I'm hitting a three I'm also excited I'm
building my team chemistry tomorrow I
once saw LeBron James surprise the
entire te Team USA with Beats headphones
they were all wearing it on the plane I
was like I need to do something like
that so this is what I did I spent
$110,000 on the nicest headphones I
could possibly find made gift bags threw
some bucket Squad shorts the best
basketball shorts in the world in there
and I was going to give it to all the
players to build chemistry I feel like a
2K in my career like I do this act I get
like plus 10 chemistry there's also a
ref Clinic didn't know this was a thing
but the refs talk to all the players
about rule changes going into the year
what they're looking for so I'm going to
document that like as a regular fan I
had no idea that was a thing so I'm
super curious to see what that is and I
get to see my jersey for the very first
time oh my God I'm so excited it's going
to be a big day I'll see you in the
morning all right we' made it to the
locker room that side is the legit
locker room but I'm still trying out so
I'm over here oh my God it is beautiful
the jesser Jersey what something I never
thought I'd see in my life NBA G League
17 jesser ignite got the full fit and
this is their new city uniforms which is
so dope let's go bro I really feel like
a part of the team right now dude that
is literally a dream come true you know
maybe if I can't do well on the court I
can do well in the locker room you know
I might be the 15th man just there to
give motivational
speeches I'm doing everything I can do
to make the team pretty much is what I'm
saying what's up you man good to see you
you too man big alert people head coach
Jason Hart just walked into the locker
room you ready to play yes sir hey I'm
ready there you go what are you looking
for today I need you to hustle I need
you to hustle I need you to be a good
team guy if you open shoot it 100% if
you open shoot it if you're not open
pass it play defense all right have fun
more importantly let's go say less hey
I'm ready I'm fired up here brother got
your uniform yes sir you ready big
number 17 and I have house yes sir well
have fun man Havey you can hang with us
today yes sir appreciate the opportunity
man come on did he just say if I'm open
shoot it like I'm about to get in the
game are you serious right now like I'm
not I'm not tripping he said that right
he said
that hey BBE I will get in the game dude
head coach just came in and really said
that to me what dude I'm I'm so hyped up
at this point I'm stupidly locked in you
got the earphones them is sweet man they
going they going to really appreciate
that
[Music]
this is the best team met I've ever had
you hear that
[Music]
crazy I'll see you all on Wednesday bro
I'll be there practice team chemistry
plus
five all of the sudden I realized I was
late to the ref clinic so I had to
Sprint over there pretty much what the
ref clinic is at the start of each
season the ref go over any rule changes
or things they're looking for just
having a clear communication between the
refs and players I didn't even know this
was a thing so it's so cool having this
access and seeing all these little
things like regular people like me don't
know about we got to get the handles
warm boys the MBA ball is so different
to like your regular high school ball
whatever you use they like genuine
leather and they're much more slippery
than a regular ball competition today is
the Iowa wolves the gie team of the
Minnesota timber wolves hey coach can I
hop in huh can I hop in yep right right
just get W bet bet bet I'm ready I'm
ready I got to know my place for some
reason coach didn't want me to get my
jumper warm maybe he knows I don't need
it so I decided to rebound be helpful in
any way I can I got to put my jersey on
I'll see you in a bit for real yeah I'm
here I don't know if I'll get any
minutes but I'll be on the bench let's
go I'm a team player now the shoot
around was done it was time to suit up
boys it's time for game time give me a b
drop man here it is people fully kitted
up boom look at me in my uniform they
literally gave me the most massive
Jersey I swear it was like a 3XL it was
honestly way too big for me it made me
look small which is not good D I feel
great bro I'm ready to get out there you
yeah real play
bro got his on it
too 17 my favorite number I've just
always been 17 since I was young y'all
had 17 open I was in my locker room area
for a while talking to modest and Eric
who were injured for the game and I
didn't realize everyone had left the
locker room and was out on the floor
this is bad I'm still in the locker room
so I had to sprint out there you're late
bro I'm late how am I I keep getting
late and I barely made it to the
Huddle on 1
2 yes sir you ready oh I messed up bro
they were distracting me Eric and matis
dude I'm so mad so because of that
didn't make it to the starting lineup
which I didn't expect I'm trying out
they're not going to throw me in there
yes
sir good cut hey let's go Ron well Ron's
a bucket if you don't know about Ron Ron
Holland is an absolute monster he's also
a projected top five pick in next year's
NBA draft there's some real hoopers man
dude I love the bench energy everyone's
getting hype I'm not used to a hype
bench bro usually the bench is
quiet all
right swing it ellot good shot good
shot
[Applause]
[Music]
yeah let's go damn my main objective on
the bench was just to bring as much
energy as possible
good shot hey let's
[Music]
go let's go yes sir they subing in did
Coach call me or am I tripping I'm
tripping hey I got yall some exclusive
footage this is what it's like in a
Timeout for an NBA
team hey on the post of ler he's a good
player you kind a three quarter we don't
want no get nobody just an easy post
people work work on their game okay
don't come don't come too far I said
about right here Ron you going to come
over the top and Tyler you going to
clean them up going to be wi open for a
shot you going to make the pass so you
got you got Ron wide open or you going
to have Tyler heading it for John
go keep talking on defense keep talking
helping each other out on Def guys look
how stupidly locked in I am I'm so ready
to go whatever the team needs I'm
[Music]
there
good
[Music]
move I got a question for you how do you
say yes in
[Applause]
Spanish at the end of the first quarter
it was a very close game I still haven't
gotten in yet but that doesn't matter
look how locked in I am man just played
let's get up and down and the ball got
to be hot all right the ball got to be
hot that's it man we getting good shots
got to make the ball hot don't hold it
put me in the game I feel that
[Music]
bro
it let's
go
[Music]
inside
[Applause]
[Music]
damn why was he yelling like
that no for real though can we get a
replay of
that that's got to be a flop hey Leonard
that that elbow feeling
weird I definitely got into Leonard's
head with that one you already know he's
thinking about his elbow it's going to
mess up his jump shot I'm helping the
team without even being in the
game oh good
block hey let's
go oh yeah another one another
[Music]
one easy easy get is that he wants the
jumper instead the layup ni
little
[Applause]
oh
damn not not oh good shot good
shot yes
sir yes sir back to back they need a
time out bro b to B threes we just went
crazy there only down by four
let's
go and it was now halftime and the team
goes back to the locker room but coach
told me to stay warm and stay on the
bench little confused I didn't go back
there but I listened to coach okay you
got to respect what he
says you open Sho hey maybe I will get
in the game so as long as I can perform
on our game day I'm in I'm making the
team but no it's actually so sick bro
just being on the bench is like such a
dope experience I love it I'm having so
much fun it's halftime right now we are
down by 11 points it's intense bro these
games are no joke hey got hey you got to
hustle you're not hustling man you got
you got to get back on defense man I'm
you put me in
you got to get back I've giv so many
high fives but in practice you ain't
been hustling man you got to give me a
hustle man I'm sorry in practice he
ain't hustling that's why he ain't game
right now let me my first I know but see
you looking a little nervous I don't
know so practice you never practice all
right I'm going keep giving out high
five room for the team appreciate it man
I've tring trash to them I'm getting the
other team I'm going to throw you in
there now okay I'm ready he really said
I'm going throw you in there coach
wouldn't just say something like that
this second half I need to prove myself
I just need an opportunity what's up man
what up make it to what bro I'm trying
bro I'm trying my best so you going to
like well I mean coach isn't putting me
in the game but you know I'm like I'm
trying I got to get that luck the moment
it's about the luck it's about the
position you're put in you never you got
to be always ready yeah you always got
make it just keep grinding and wait for
the shot and it's going to come what was
your name
again pleas to meet you take care bro he
was lowkey scouting me hey matus the
other team wants me bro he he told me
that if I don't make it
lying I'm not lying I'm not lying he's
scouting me you think coach needs water
hell no
don't I'm ready F hey fast I'm fast you
can do a better job at handing out some
water though I could do better you
haven't even seen me in the game yet
though hand two hand the cross you don't
understand I'm Elite bro NBA Celebrity
Game Richard Jefferson he was on me
couldn't guard me S him Carlos Boozer
did way better than him talking about
NBA legends bro I was out there on the
court with them I was doing my thing
make sure the seat is warm enough for
the next
minut bet bet bet I got you this this is
how you know I'm a good bench player I
can War Two at
once I was holding down the bench for
y'all kept it warm at the end of the day
you have to respect your coaches always
and you got to do what they say so went
to pass out
water you need you need any
[Music]
water need some water oh you got one
pour myself
one I'm holding it down coach you need
some
water
okay Z baby defense on three 1 2 three
def 15 through go let's get this
[Music]
St let's
go
[Music]
hey hey that was a nice dunk I got to
respect it you think coach don't me in
there
no bro I can hang with y'all bro I'm
telling you you're not ready for this
this is different man I'm
[Music]
[Applause]
different
the game started to get extremely
intense at this point in the fourth
quarter we were down by 30 points which
is obviously awful but it means I might
get a chance to get in the game cuz you
know we're
down oh my god oh too bad maybe next
time next time and that was the end of
the game unfortunately I didn't get in
30 point loss very tough loss sad scenes
right now I did what I could do on the
bench I tried to give the support I
could give I still had two more days to
try and impress the coaches but not
getting in this one it hurt we are back
boys did not play in the scrimmage and
coach said I wasn't hustling hard enough
before today I was hoping the game would
be when I got my moment but I guess
coach didn't think I was ready seeing
how well the guys played it's hard not
to feel like he was right tomorrow I'm
going to hustle harder than anyone in
the room to prove to coach and to myself
that I belong here because the more time
I spend with this team the more I
realize being a part of it in any way
would be a dream and then on Friday
after the game I'll be finding out if I
made the team or didn't make the team
tomorrow's a huge day bro got to show
why I'm meant to be there day four it's
a new opportunity for me so for this day
it's a practice day they wanted me to
waight list with Eric ma the strongest
dude on the team then after that have a
one-on-one training session with one of
the coaches so we can evaluate my skills
and I need to do good because tomorrow
is the official game day and then after
that I'm also going to learn if I make
the team or not so this is a huge
opportunity for me we're started it off
in the wait room all right with my boy
Eric upper body every day baby every
single day that's the way to do it I
stopped doing late day last year
hopefully coach didn't hear
that we go
[Music]
keep he's Shing the burn he's going me
Yol he's not going to be all calves
after this yes sir calves and Shoulders
Baby he's going to be built like one of
these dumbbells look shoulders calves
that's
nice let's go one of the big adjustments
know of like jumping up a level like
whether you're going from high school to
college or college to Pro is like you've
never lifted or conditioned or worked
that hard and then been expected to then
like go practice like you have like a
single workout you know I remember when
I went to college I was like I was
probably like 2:15 right I was like
super thin and that whole summer was
like was hell for me because we'd lift
so hard and conditioned so hard and it
was like all right now we have practice
I was like what in high school that
would have been my whole week of work
you know what I mean now it's like just
one morning prepping for practice so at
each level you just work so much harder
yeah the the the physical the need to to
catch up to the physicality like that
Gap is so big that you just have to push
it like way harder than you have the
level before that so so it's all about
hard work each level you just got to
work harder that's right it is crazy
that they lift condition and then
practice I'm like that's tough yeah what
you saying they you're one of us one of
us one of us I'm hoping bro y'all got to
put in a good word with Coach you going
to try Baker shooting again or you just
got your workout with a mirr workout
with a miror well he's going to put you
through your final test to see final
test in front of the scouts yes there is
another Scout there today that'd be the
craziest Sports story of all time yeah I
was just kind of around with the
g-league ignite and and then I got
drafted and the then the Blazers called
me after a good weightlifting session I
headed down to the practice
court
damn damn okay let me get
one count that we going to count that
that's a rub Dum
yeah I can hang with these boys I I
dumped it like I pulled the side of my
body with it now it's time for me to get
evaluated by Amir Johnson he literally
played 15 years in the NBA had an
amazing career it is not easy to play 15
years in the league if I'm able to
impress this guy it's going to help my
chances a
lot I'm going to do
that there you go and one finish let's
go
nice ah all right I got a shoot drill
for you sort of like a conditioning
drill so so I call it the star drill you
might have seen Steph Curry do it a
little bit we ended up doing this really
difficult star shooting drill where you
pretty much run in a star formation
shooting three-pointers you got to make
10 it took me about 3 minutes to finish
the drill so didn't do as good as I
wanted to
do but it was tough on theg go NBA 3es
are no joke that's good work though man
you got hey appreciate it bro I
appreciate it the roster spot opens up
I'm here got to work out in with Coach
NBA player that was dope man I feel like
I did pretty decent in the drills I
hustled I worked hard that's all you can
ask for and then after that I went to go
talk to one of the Vets on the team
Jeremy Pargo what would be the biggest
advice you could give to the young guys
uh pretty much the same advice I just
gave to you don't stop you know it takes
one person to really appreciate what you
can do or what you can offer to a team
so you don't stop man you don't you
don't let no no one tell you you're not
good enough or or any of that it's going
to it's going to come a time where we're
going to have to understand like hey
maybe this isn't for me or maybe this
isn't the right thing to do but until
that time comes within you continue to
try I love that bro keep going don't
stop bro every time you fail it's not
even failing if you get up you're
getting better every time it's not
failing it's learning yeah about to say
there no failures it's lessons we all
learn lessons we appreciate you practice
is over for the day we're going straight
to day five today is the big day game
one of the season I have no idea what to
expect I might be on the bench with the
team I might get cut today I don't know
we're going to see when we get there we
got shoot around at 9:00 and the game
isn't until 7:00
after the game we'll see if I made the
team fingers crossed
boys right when I got to the arena media
had questions for me question for Jester
are you going to be playing in the game
tonight so I came ready to play today
but coach has informed me that I will
not be active today so I will not be
getting in the game but this is an
opportunity to show that I am a team
player on this team get my team ready
help them and shoot around do everything
I can do to help this team get a w
tonight all right follow-up question are
you on the roster I honestly don't know
I'm going to find out tonight I am not
active today but I'm still being
evaluated so I'm going to try to help
the team in any way that I can so I'm
going to see if any of them need some
rebounders right now cuz they're all
warming up for the game rebounded
started easy there was one dude and then
it ended up being me rebounding for like
five guys and I was still doing a good
job I'm proud of myself it's about the
small W's in life I've never been to an
NBA shoot around I was always under the
impression they shot around but they're
working on plays right here inbound
plays different things like that
honestly got a good sweat from
rebounding I was running all over the
place see what a coach has to say it's
going to be a good game today you know
how they going to come out I'm telling
you how they going to come out they come
out aggressive like last game just how
the game was finished that's how the
game going to start just how your mind
right you're here for a reason right
like you're here and they're only coming
at you cuz they wish they were here you
know what I mean like that that's a real
thing so have that Underdog mentality
come match their energy and and then use
what we have like we're younger we're
more athletic we're quicker I mean it'd
be a big deal if we can get an opening
night win so let's go get our first
[Applause]
one the Ops have entered shoot around
the Clippers are here we finished our
shoot around so it was their turn and as
they were walking by I was squaring them
up I was analyzing every detail about
the opponent since Sho round was over
though it was time to go back to the
apartment the team bus is going to leave
at 4:30 for the game at 7: so now it's
just chill time sure a lot of people are
just going to take some naps relax play
some video games get in the mental right
for the game
tonight see if someone's here for tunnel
picks tunnel picks one of the most
important parts of the game you ready
for the tunnel pick Let's
yes the honesty looks way better than me
I feel like the jersey look might not
have been it let's be
honest everyone wearing like the most
fire fits ever and then I was just
wearing a regular t-shirt cuz I
forgot I had my tights on in my tunnel f
for real that's how ready I
was and I can feel the energy it's
rising bro the energy night's logo is
charged up the lightning bolt I can feel
it let's go whatever anybody needs I'm
here thinking I could be water boy today
you need some water being with the team
for the week one thing I realized the
amount of shots they put up a day is
astonishing multiple shoot around just
constantly putting up shots getting the
consistency getting the Rhythm It's a
Grind man got the little team store down
here Oho there could be jesser jerseys
bro jesser jerseys flying off the shell
so before the game a lot of the guys
will get a weight lift session in so I
wanted to just capture that all the boys
in there grinding yes sir putting in the
work that's what it is man A freegame
Grind that must be the secret why NBA
players are always looking so jacked on
the court they literally get a pump
right before the game my main objective
during the game was just to be as good
of a team player as I possibly could be
I wasn't on the proper bench so it's a
bit hard but I can root for the boys if
they need water I'm there whatever I can
do to make sure when I hear the news
later that it's I made the team the boys
are getting warm bro the whole week has
led to this moment game day ignite first
Clippers I'm
excited oh yeah good
help
e oh my God
[Music]
Baba let's
[Music]
go that was
insane
[Music]
[Music]
unfortunate loss boys lost by seven
points heartbreaking man the boys played
their hearts out I'm proud of them I'm
proud of the team the GM just messaged
me that we're going to meet tomorrow
morning to decide my fate I'm excited
for tomorrow let's see what happens
ladies and gentlemen it all comes down
to this moment will my dreams come true
it was time for my meeting with the
coach and GM of the team coach GM what's
up J how you doing how going I'm excited
all right man come on here I have a seat
all right how you enjoy yourself oh man
this is a great week first of all I
appreciate the opportunity to come out
come try out with you guys you know best
team in the
league appreciate that what's going on
uh thank you for coming of course you
gave great effort
thank you you brought you brought heart
you're on time great habits sir thank
you as we both know ignite pretty
talented group of players definitely
really really tough to make the team so
coach and I talked it over
and the way that we see it you're not as
good of a shooter as John Jenkins okay
you're not as good of a Defender as Ron
Holland okay you're not as good of a
ball handler as London Johnson not as
fluid as Tyler Smith not as strong as is
Eric maik okay so we're going to have to
let you go understandable you know what
I appreciate the opportunity the fact
that y'all let me come out here try out
for the team didn't make it but the
opportunity is a blessing that's once in
a lifetime but you show great effort man
and the guys the guys appreciate it
having you around um I thought it was a
great experience for our guys to get to
know you as well but um our doors are
always open you're always free to come
hang and work out with our guys and we
just appreciate you man so anytime you
want to come to a game give me a call
Holler email
hey that means a lot no that really
means a lot that's all love right there
and you're going to be with us the whole
year in spirit with the bucket Squad
logo placed on the Baseline of every one
of our home games so you can be with us
on the journey towards the 2024 NBA
draft let's go that's insane F squad on
the court yeah let's go you know what I
ain't even bad I got I ain't even bad
it's a talented group of guys man I'm
6'2 he's got great CS he got great CS
got strong Cs on the team a jump jump
sir well appreciate y hly needs a lot
I'm going go check out the logo all
right
sir y I didn't make the team but I did
get a once in a lifetime opportunity to
go out there try out with the guys be
with them for a whole week it was such a
blessing and we're putting the bucket
Squad logo on the ignite court so let's
go check that out the logo is 99% done
just got to take off the rra here we go
bucket squad on the ignite Court
and the bucket Squad logo is really on
an NBA court the ignite court that is a
blessing a dream come true like the
future stars of the NBA are playing on
that Court they might hit a layup and
land on the bucket Squad logo that is so
cool that we are on a court our
community everything we've done and now
it is on their official court is amazing
it's a blessing I got to give the
biggest thank you to ignite for having
me out I'm going to put all of their
socials down below if you're in Nevada
if you're in Henderson go to some of
their games man they have such amazing
talent on there it's going to be the
future of the NBA you have to go check
them out follow their journey man the
g-league is awesome and if you want to
see me try out for the Warriors it is
popping up right there if you love this
video you are going to love that one as
well I love you guys so much thanks for
following me on the journey peace
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