Even before the 2024 Basketball Super League begins their historic first season by tipping-off this December, a number of BSL hopefuls will travel to hit the basketball courts at the Hype Recreation Center of Western Wayne in Wayne, Michigan in late November for the BSL Draft Combine and Draft.
By Wendell Maxey
That’s where aspiring pros plan to showcase their abilities and shoot their shot at taking their respective games from a gym just west of Detroit to potentially suiting-up for one of the six teams who make up the BSL. And while the Draft Combine and Draft will certainly be a mixture of hoop dreams coming true and some hardwood heartaches along the way, the venue also provides the chance for players to make a name for themselves beyond the basketball court. One thing is for sure: the front offices and coaching staffs from the Kitchener-Waterloo Titans, London Lightning, Montreal Toundra, Newfoundland Rogues, Sudbury Five, and the Windsor Express will be evaluating guys up close and personal.
So what can players expect who register to attend the BSL Draft Combine for the opportunity to hear their name called on Draft night?
It starts with hard work. A lot of it.
The BSL Draft Combine will include basketball skills testing, drills, full 5-on-5 scrimmages, a BSL jersey, and written reviews of each player to help improve their basketball resumes. Free live streamed Combine games will also be featured on BSLTV, which serves as another tremendous platform for players to show what they are capable of on the court.
For BSL teams, they certainly have Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19 plugged into their daily schedule reminder while equally preparing for what should be a thrilling inaugural season for the Basketball Super League. The Newfoundland Rogues released its 2024 schedule highlighted by a 37 game schedule, with 25 games being played at the Mary Brown’s Centre. The Kitchener-Waterloo Titans are slated to host their home opener on Saturday, December 30 at the Kitchener Auditorium against the Sudbury Five. The Windsor Express plan to hold 12 road games and 14 home dates, including the Express hosting the Montreal Toundra on January 12 at the WFCU Centre. Meanwhile, the London Lightning who are coming off a championship season in the now defunct NBLC are easily eyeing another title run, when they begin their 2024 BSL season by facing Sudbury on Thursday, December 28. As for the individual players who are eagerly preparing to make the trip to take part in the BSL 2024 Draft Combine and Draft in Michigan, they’ll have to sport a generic BSL practice jersey and give it their all before getting the opportunity to wear the real deal.
Free JRBSL Youth Basketball Clinic
Before the aspiring pros get on the court for the BSL Combine, the next generation of athletes step on the floor to develop their all-around basketball skills at the Hype Center. Thanks to the Junior Basketball Super League (JRBSL), young players from around the Detroit metro area can attend for free on November 18 from 8:00am – 10:00 am. Each player will receive a free basketball and instructions from a pro staff led by TBL Commissioner, Carlnel Wiley.
“Working with kids is my absolute favorite. They are so honest, full of life and keep me alert the whole time. I get to have fun and laugh yet I take it seriously because I truly want to make a positive impact in those moments I am with them. We all need positivity in our life and the youth give me a full dose of happiness,” Wiley said about leading youth basketball clinics.
“I feel this is one of our most important programs we offer. I think sometimes people take for granted the impact mentorship can bring to a kid’s life. I have seen it time and time again when the kids get to work directly with a ‘pro player’ the excitement they feel is extremely special to witness. I know they are making a huge difference in someone’s day.”
Much like the Jr. TBL, the JRBSL is a youth-focused program with a mission to nurture leaders, problem solvers, and innovators who are committed to doing what is right. It is designed for youth aged 8 through 14 and extends the core values of The Basketball League (TBL) and The Basketball Super League (BSL) emphasizing leadership, self-worth, education, and respect. Through a variety of programs and events, Jr. TBL and JRBSL aims to inspire and empower young individuals to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
About the BSL 2024 Combine and Draft
What: Basketball Super League 2024 Draft Combine and Draft
When: Saturday, November 18 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm) and Sunday, November 19 (8:00 am – 3:00 pm)
Where: Hype Recreation Center of Western Wayne (4635 Howe Rd Wayne, MI 4818)
How: Register online at Eventbrite for one or both days of BSL’s 2024 Draft Combine