Samkelo Cele didn’t play in the New York Knicks’ opening Summer League game, but being there is a major accomplishment.
Cele, 26, received a surprise call-up to play in the Las Vegas Summer League.
This 10-day event is a trial for newly drafted players and international talents like Cele to showcase their skills.
“He is the first South African-born player to be invited,” said Mlungisi “Flosh” Ngwenya, Cele’s coach at the Cape Town Tigers.
“It’s huge. It shows there is something happening in South Africa … words can’t explain it.”
Cele got attention playing for the Tigers, especially in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
His standout moment was a three-point shot that took the Tigers’ quarterfinal into extra time, which went viral on social media.
“This is something he’s wanted since leaving Durban High School and going to college in the US on a scholarship,” Ngwenya said.
Cele described the Knicks call-up as “surreal.”
Cele is now aiming to play at a higher level than the BAL, with the NBA being one of the toughest leagues to break into.
Each year, 60 players are picked in the NBA draft, and the competition is global. Five of this year’s top 12 picks are from outside the US.
Cele’s participation in the Summer League also opens opportunities in the major Asian markets and Europe, or possibly the NBA G-League.
The G-League, like a second division, offers a minimum contract of R730,000 for six months.
Pictured above: Samkelo Cele.
Source: X
