Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Former Baylor guard Curtis Jerrells wasn’t picked in last week’s draft, but he’s still keeping his NBA dream alive.
Jerrells will play for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League July 10-19 in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, former Baylor forward Kevin Rogers is planning to join the Boston Celtics in the NBA’s Summer League in Orlando, Fla., July 6-10, according to his agent Bill Strickland.
The NBA Summer League includes newly drafted players, prospective free agents and younger NBA players looking for more experience.
Jerrells was disappointed when he wasn’t picked in last Thursday’s NBA draft after he was projected as a second-round choice. But he hopes to impress coaches and scouts enough in the summer league to be invited as a free agent to an NBA camp this fall.
“I would have loved to be drafted, but I’ll have some flexibility as a free agent,” Jerrells said. “The Mavericks have shown some interest in me, so I think this is my best move. I’m getting a chance to compete, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Leading up to the NBA draft, Jerrells worked out for the Mavericks, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. The 6-1 guard impressed scouts with his strength and ability to drive to the basket, and he hoped to become Baylor’s first draft pick since the Los Angeles Clippers took center Brian Skinner in the first round of the 1998 draft.
But even if Jerrells had been picked in the second round, he would have had no guarantee of making a team. “Second-round picks are pretty much in the same boat as free agents,” Jerrells said. “It’s tough just to get a spot on one of these summer league teams. I just hope that I can play well enough for the Mavericks or some other NBA team to invite me to camp.”
Jerrells averaged 16.3 points for Baylor during his senior season.
Strickland, who is the agent for both Jerrells and Rogers, said Rogers is planning to join the Celtics this week in preparation for next week’s NBA Summer League in Orlando. The 6-9 Rogers averaged 12.6 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Bears last season.
“They like Kevin a lot,” Strickland said. “They’re impressed with him as a player and a person.”
jwerner@wacotrib.com
757-5716
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