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D-League showcases its elite
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Dozens of scouts, general managers and other National Basketball Association affiliates can be described as only one thing to a minor league basketball player: the chance of a lifetime.
This past week the Idaho Stampede and Quest Arena played host the NBA-Development League Showcase, which featured every D-League squad – 14 teams in all.
Monday through Thursday, each team played two games and were given the opportunity to impress NBA scouts in hope of being called up to a professional squad.
Local team making the most
The Idaho Stampede, celebrating its 10th season, is currently one of the best teams in the league.
The showcase was no exception for the Stampede. On Tuesday night it played host to Rio Grande Valley and won 93-81.
On Thursday night the Stampede closed out the showcase with a blowout 117-93 win.
The Stampede is currently on a 12-game win streak and is in second place in its division.
Home Sweet Home
This past week during the showcase the Stampede had the upper-hand; it was able to play all of its games on the home court and in a friendly well-known environment.
“It’s been so great,” Idaho Head Coach Bryan Gates said. “Were so proud of our community.”
Another aspect that has been beneficial to the Stampede is that they have a number of local players on their roster.
“They’re happy to be home,” Gates said. “We’ve got three guys at home who get to play. I think that just shows the type of caliber of basketball in the state. I think basketball is really growing in Idaho. It just proves it with Jason [Ellis], Cory [Violette] and Roberto [Bergerson].”
Ellis and Bergerson both played for BSU, while Violette is a graduate of Bishop Kelly High School in Boise.
Different Rights
One player that stood out for the Stampede was Mouhamed Sene. What makes him so different is that unlike every other player for Idaho, his rights are to the Seattle Super Sonics, not the Portland TrailBlazers.
“The last few games he’s really gotten in the flow with our team and he really wanted to be productive,” Violette said. “He’s one of the those guys that has amazing physical attributes so when he sets his mind to it he can be really successful.”
Thursday night for Idaho, Sene chipped in 14 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots.
“The biggest thing was I think he had fun playing (tonight),” Gates said. “I think he wants to be here. He’s got a great support staff with Seattle."
MARY ALBL
Assistant Sports Editor
