The conclusion of the NBA season has given way to the excitement of the upcoming 2024-2025 NBA Summer League, set to commence with preliminary tournaments in Salt Lake City and Sacramento before culminating in a grand gathering of all 30 teams in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated event provides a platform for emerging talents to exhibit their skills and for aspiring players to showcase their potential to scouts and team executives.
Notably, the roster of players participating in the Summer League includes a significant representation of former Memphis Tigers, providing fans with the exciting opportunity to witness familiar faces competing on the court.
For instance, David Jones, who emerged as a star player for Memphis last season, opted to forgo another year with the Tigers and pursue his ambitions in the NBA Draft. Despite going undrafted, he secured a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and is poised to join their summer league team. Similarly, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, who played a pivotal role for Memphis during the 2023-2024 season, has attracted attention with an invitation to the NBA Combine despite going undrafted.
In addition, transfer standout Jaykwon Walton, from Wichita State, and D.J. Jeffries, who completed his collegiate career at Mississippi State after two seasons with the Tigers, will be showcasing their talents in the summer league as part of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively. Boogie Ellis, who initially played two seasons for Memphis before transferring to Southern Cal, will also be making his mark with the Sacramento Kings.
Kendric Davis, who spent the previous season with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the G League, is gearing up to represent the Portland Trail Blazers during the summer league. Meanwhile, the talented Josh Minott, drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 after a stellar season with the Tigers, is anticipated to be a key player for the Timberwolves in this summer’s league.
The success and continued pursuit of dreams in the professional league by these former Memphis players is heartening. Their participation in the NBA Summer League is a testament to the quality of talent that the Memphis Tigers program has produced.
With the upcoming NBA Summer League generating excitement among fans, it is undeniable that supporters of these former Tigers will be eagerly tuning in to witness their favorite players in action. This presents an exciting opportunity for these emerging athletes to showcase their skills and leave a lasting impression on the big stage.
For more sports updates, contact sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or on X @thejonahdylan.