The price of chasing a dream
Former college players, content creators, and local fans recently gathered to try out for the Delaware Blue Coats. The G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers charged a fee of 200 dollars per person for the open session on October 4.
A total of 140 players signed up for the tryout. That was the highest number in team history. The event collected 28,000 dollars in total registration fees.
How the tryout fees are spent
Blue Coats head coach JP Clark said the money collected goes directly toward improving conditions for the team during the season. The organization uses the funds for better travel routes, team dinners, and extra hotel stays. Clark stated that the goal is to give players an experience similar to the main NBA club in Philadelphia.
Delaware put a heavy focus on finding bigger players for their roster. During the previous season, the Blue Coats finished with 18 wins and 18 losses. They averaged 47.7 rebounds per game, placing fifth in the league. However, they struggled inside, finishing 25th in second chance points allowed and second to last in points allowed inside the paint.
From open tryouts to NBA riches
An open tryout can lead to massive success in professional basketball. Former NBA head coach Earl Watson recalled coaching Jonathon Simmons with the Austin Spurs. Simmons paid 150 dollars for his tryout before earning a spot on the squad.
Simmons later signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs in July 2015. He eventually earned a three year contract worth 20 million dollars with the Orlando Magic. Watson gave advice on what coaches look for during open sessions. "They want who wants it most and plays the game with respect," Watson said.
Dedicated hopefuls travel far
Hopeful players arrived early in the morning to battle for a spot. Some participants flew long distances just to attend. Brandon Hall took a red eye flight from Los Angeles, landed at 5 a.m., and headed straight to the venue.
The crowd at the doors included players of all heights and backgrounds. Some wore team gear while others prepared quietly. For everyone who paid the registration fee, it was a rare chance to play directly in front of G League staff and NBA scouts.
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