NBL
Niall Seewang 7y

Bullets star Craig endorses NBL after NBA dream comes true

NBL, NBA, Basketball

Fresh from realising his NBA dream, Denver Nuggets signing Torrey Craig has endorsed the NBL as an exceptional pathway for players with dreams of reaching the sport's pinnacle.

The Brisbane Bullets import yesterday signed a two-way contract with Nuggets after showing great promise during the recent NBA Summer League, where the NBL's reigning defensive player of the year averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and one block in 22.2 minutes per game.

But it was his 27 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in a 87-81 win over the Houston Rockets that really put his name in lights, leading the Nuggets to sign Craig.

Craig said he'd endorse the NBL as a pathway for players wanting to play in the NBA.

"[The] NBL is one of best leagues. It's very physical and it prepares you for any level of basketball. I'd definitely encourage it," he said.

The South Carolina native, who began his NBL career with the Cairns Taipans before moving to Brisbane last season, enjoyed an impressive season for the Bullets in 2016-17 and was named the NBL's best defensive player and an earned a spot on the All NBL Second Team.

NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said Craig's signing was proof the Australian league was one of the world's best.

"Torrey Craig's elevation to the NBA is a strong reflection on the high quality of the NBL. As Torrey himself said, the NBL is now considered one of the best leagues in the world," he said.

"The NBL is also a legitimate pathway for both Australians and imports alike who are trying to refine their game and to take them to the next level. I'm sure we will see more NBL players joining the ranks of the Australians already playing in the NBA in years to come as the NBL only grows in strength and prominence here and overseas."

Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis said Craig's ascension was a massive endorsement of Australian basketball but added the move was bitter-sweet.

"In the post-season review I said: 'Mate I love you but you shouldn't be here, you should be in the NBA so why aren't you?'," Lemanis said.

"We're stoked for him; that's what we're about as a club, is helping people reach their potential and I'm so happy to see him do well at Summer League and get all that attention around him."

Australian NBL pair Mitch Creek and Nathan Sobey were also given opportunities in the Summer League, adding further relevance to an Australian competition that was on the nose only a few years ago.

"It certainly shines a light on it and continues the growing trend over the past four or five years in the acknowledgement of the Australian basketball scene and how playing here can help you become a better player," Lemanis said.

"It's a good outcome for him and ultimately a good outcome for the club (because it shows that it is) a place where you can come and achieve your ultimate goals."

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