Grand Rapids Gold Open Tryouts Showcase Colorado Basketball Talent.
DENVER, Colo. — The Grand Rapids Gold held open tryouts Sunday at Metropolitan State University in Denver, giving basketball players from across Colorado and beyond an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the NBA G League organization. The gym was filled with athletes hoping to make an impression and take the next step toward playing professional basketball. A strong turnout brought plenty of competition, with players displaying their athleticism, shooting, defense, ball-handling and ability to compete in a team environment. As the primary NBA G League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets, the Gold’s open tryout provided players with a unique opportunity to get in front of coaches and evaluators while competing against some of the area’s top talent. Throughout the tryout, players were put through drills and competitive situations designed to give the Gold’s staff a closer look at what each athlete could bring to the organization. Beyond individual talent, coaches had the opportunity to evaluate qualities such as effort, communication, decision-making and how well players performed alongside others. With the on-court portion of the tryout complete, the evaluation process now begins. The Grand Rapids Gold staff will review performances and determine which players could potentially be the best fit for the team and its system.
For the athletes who participated, Sunday represented more than just another basketball workout. It was an opportunity to compete, gain exposure and potentially open the door to the professional level. Now, the waiting begins as the Gold determine whether one of Colorado’s standout performers earned an opportunity to continue their journey with the organization.
Among the players who stood out during Sunday’s tryout was Kiran Oliver, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Chicago. Oliver showcased his ability to score while competing with a high level of energy on both ends of the floor. His size at the guard position, combined with his athleticism and ability to create opportunities, allowed him to make his presence felt throughout the tryout. Oliver was one of several players who caught attention while battling for an opportunity to continue the journey toward professional basketball.
Another Chicago product who made an impression was Greg Gordon, a 6-foot-5 point guard. Gordon’s combination of size and guard skills gave him an intriguing profile during the evaluation process. At 6-foot-5, his ability to operate as a primary ball-handler while seeing the floor and competing against other talented guards made him a player worth watching. Gordon competed throughout the tryout as he looked to demonstrate that his game could translate to the professional level.
Brody Fox was another player who drew attention during the tryout, bringing a versatile skill set to the floor from St. Paul, Minnesota. Fox primarily plays small forward but has the ability to slide into the power forward position, giving him added value in a competitive G League evaluation setting. His versatility allows him to match up against different types of players and gives a coaching staff flexibility when building lineups.
Tyree Davis V, a 6-foot-7 three-guard from Houston. Fox’s versatility gives him the ability to contribute in multiple positions, while Davis V’s size and versatility in the backcourt provide another intriguing skill set for evaluators. Both players competed for an opportunity to separate themselves from the field, joining Oliver and Gordon among the athletes looking to turn Sunday’s performance into a potential opportunity with the Grand Rapids Gold.
