Opportunity Knocks

At the age of 23, Jon Scheyer has already accomplished more than most aspiring athletes could ever hope for; A state championship while starring for Glenbrook North, a legendary performance of scoring 21 points in 75 seconds and being awarded Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois. Scheyer parlayed his prolific high school career into a full ride at Duke University, where he continued to play out every kid’s dreams. Playing in front the most frenzied fans in college basketball, he excelled for one the elite programs in the country. Before finishing his college career, Scheyer led Duke to a national championship while also being selected as a Second Team All American. While he had a highly decorated college career, questions remained about whether his success at Duke would translate to the pros. As is often the case, NBA scouts salivate over potential rather than production. The whispers began to circulate. Was he athletic enough to play at the next level? Did he have the quickness to defend point guards? Was he strong enough to withstand the pounding of an 82 game season?

When the last name was called on draft night, Scheyer remained undrafted. We’ve all probably had that feeling of waiting patiently and anxiously as we hope to get selected. For most of us though, it happens on a middle school playground. For Scheyer, it played out on national television with friends, family and fans watching. One can only imagine the empty feeling of going to bed that night, knowing that all he accomplished in college wasn’t enough to convince teams around the NBA. He became just another prospect, battling for a training camp invitation and the last spot on an NBA roster. While playing in Las Vegas with the Heat Summer League team, Scheyer took a hellacious elbow to the eye. He suffered nerve damage to his retina which required surgery and his summer league audition had ended. Perhaps the only worse than not being drafted, is never having a chance to prove you belong. Once he recovered from the surgery, Scheyer signed with LA Clippers and appeared in a few preseason games before being cut.

One week ago, Scheyer signed with the D-League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. So, the next stage in his NBA journey begins. The NBA Developmental league is all about hope. Young players hoping to prove themselves to the doubters that left them on the draft boards, former NBA players hoping to get back to the league they once experienced firsthand, and older guys just hanging onto lifelong aspirations while hoping their aging bodies have a little more left to give.

D Leaguers aren’t in it for the paycheck. If they cared about cash, they would sign lucrative deals to play internationally which would pay them more in one month than a full year in the D league. They aren’t in it for the glamour either. They play in cities like Fort Wayne, Baskersfield and Reno. They travel on busses rather instead of private jets.

Yet, for Scheyer, it has to feel pretty damn good just to be back. A gym can get awfully lonely when it’s just you and the buzzing sound of the lights. It can get pretty monotonous doing the same drill without the adrenaline and pressure of having the game on line. When he takes the floor for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, there won’t be any Cameron Crazies bouncing up and down or national broadcasters convulsing with every made basket. But there will be an opportunity. And sometimes, an opportunity is all you can really hope for.