Hoop Dreams: Maine Red Claws hold open tryouts.
The Maine Red Claws, NBA G-League affiliate to the Boston Celtics, are holding open tryouts in Waltham, Massachusetts, September 23rd.
Maybe you played in high school. Perhaps you had a short stint in college or overseas. Or maybe you're just a rec league junkie with an insatiable "if only I had a chance" itch that needs to be scratched. If you can hoop, or if you simply think you have the goods to don a Red Claws jersey, then put up or shut up on September 23rd.OPEN TRYOUTS: Saturday, Sept. 23 at @Celtics practice facility in Waltham, MA! Registration info: https://t.co/4h8e4FqA7j #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/50P34wSeh7— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) August 25, 2017
It worked for Vince Papale when the Philadelphia Eagles held open tryouts to the public back in 1976. A local Philly kid, Vince went from being an unemployed teacher to a folk hero, playing three seasons for the Eagles from 1976-78. The film Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg was based on that story.
It also worked last year for Coron Williams, a six-foot guard from Wake Forest. Williams went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his dream to play pro. After undoubtedly doing well during open tryouts, Coron made the team and started 24 games last year for the Red Claws, playing aside G-League Rookie of the Year and present forward for the Celtics, Abdel Nader.
Is there another Vince or Coron out there? Or at least someone who looks like Mark Wahlberg who can take a charge like Marcus Smart or hit the open jumper like Gordon Hayward? We'll find out soon enough.
Lace 'em up and give it all you've got. Pardon the cliche, but all you have to lose is nothing.
For full tryout details and information on how to sign up, click here.
Do you think you have what it takes? Can a local go from "who's that?" to "look who it is!"? Stranger things have happened in Boston sports.
Let us know if you're planning on trying out in the comments below.
Photo Credit: Rapid City Journal; Getty Images