WS Chronicle

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

The popularity of basketball in North Carolina has steered executives of the American Basketball League (ABL) to establish a franchise in the Triad.

The coach and general manager of the Tar Heel state’s first-ever ABL team, Corey Simmons, will be joined by ABL officials to host a pre-draft evaluation camp for aspiring professional basketball players across the state. The camp is set for Sunday, Feb. 28 from 3-6 p.m. at the Simpkins Sports Pavilion at 1500 Dans Road in Greensboro. The workout is open to athletes ages 20-35.

Simmons’ interest in bringing the Florida-based ABL to North Carolina was sparked while helping his son explore opportunities to play professional basketball with the ABL, his own experience as a public school coach, and his desire to mentor and grow athletes through a league dedicated to catapulting them to the next level of professional play.

“I am trying to create legacy to give this generation and next generation of players the chance to fulfill their dream to play professional basketball and to give them hope so they can take care of and provide for their families while pursuing their passion,” said Simmons. “There are some semi-pro leagues that are not pushing players to the next level, not getting players signed to play overseas because they operate like a recreation league.

“The ABL is not like that,” Simmons added. “If you play here, and get better, the opportunities will be there to get exposure and play for leagues overseas and, eventually, in the NBA.”

Simmons’ own passion for basketball includes a stint as an assistant coach at R.J. Reynolds High School. He also served as head coach of the Winston Salem Preparatory Academy middle school girls’ team, which garnered an undefeated season and won its first championship in the history of the school under his tutelage. The upcoming Pro Camp Evaluation gives prospective players an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of Simmons, William Eddie, the ABL’s Director of Scouting and Placement, and ABL Commissioner and Vice President, Eric Newsome. The tryout consists of an IQ test, drills, and 3-on-3 games, both full and half-court.

“We are trying to identify talent in North Carolina and uphold the playing standards of our league,” said Newsome. “The ABL platform is the ideal opportunity for the overlooked player to showcase his talents and land an overseas contract.”

Based on camp performance and ABL evaluations, Simmons will select players to begin to fill the team’s 2016 roster. The season begins in June with the North Carolina team playing a modified 10-game schedule. Ultimately, the goal is for the new team to advance to compete in the league’s full 16-game schedule in 2017.

To register for the camp, visit https://form.jotform.com/31828903463155. To learn more.