Helena Frye
The NBA G League, or the G League, is a professional basketball league in North America that acts as a developmental league for the National Basketball Association (NBA). Each G League team roster consists of 12 players, with 10 or fewer G League players and two or more NBA players. To try out for the G League, anyone can sign up for an open tryout, which usually takes place once a year in late summer or early fall. These tryouts typically cost around $150 to $250 and attract a large number of players. While the tryouts provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, it is important to note that making it onto a G League team roster is highly competitive, and players need to stand out with their basketball resumes, skills, and hustle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| League Name | NBA G League (formerly the National Basketball Development League, NBA Development League, or D-League) |
| Number of Teams | 31 |
| Team Rosters | 12 players, 10 or fewer G League players, and 2 or more NBA players |
| Player Requirements | Minimum age of 18, must sign a contract with the league |
| Salary | $35,000 base annual salary plus housing and insurance benefits |
| Tryout Fee | $150-$250 |
| Tryout Frequency | Most teams hold tryouts once a year, usually in late summer or early fall |
| Tryout Process | Check-in, warm-up, skill drills (ball handling, shooting, passing, defense) |
| Selection Criteria | Skills, hustle, movement without the ball, competitiveness, communication, and teamwork |
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What You'll Learn
Tryout fees and costs
The NBA G League is the official minor league of the NBA, serving as a developmental league for players, coaches, and staff. Each G League team roster consists of a total of 12 players, with 10 or fewer being G League players and two or more being NBA players.
Each G League team holds local tryouts each offseason and can invite up to four players from these tryouts to their training camps. Tryouts for the G League typically cost between $150 and $250. This fee is significantly lower than most exposure camps, which can cost $350 or more, excluding travel, food, and lodging expenses.
While the G League tryouts are more affordable, it's important to consider the low chances of making it onto a team. With each team holding tryouts for 100 players, the chances of making it onto a roster are approximately 1.8%. In comparison, pro exposure camps have a much higher attendee-to-contract rate.
Therefore, while the G League tryout fees are lower, the chances of making it onto a team are also relatively low. Individuals seeking a basketball career may need to consider their options carefully and decide whether investing in a pro exposure camp could provide better opportunities, despite the higher costs.
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Tryout format
G League tryouts are usually local and only last one day. Anyone can sign up for an open tryout, but you'll need to pay a non-refundable fee of around $150 to $250. Tryouts usually take place in late summer or early fall, and hundreds of players may show up.
When you arrive, staff will check your ID and give you a jersey with a number on it. You'll then have time to warm up and stretch. Coaches will watch how you perform basic skills like ball handling, shooting from different spots (especially NBA range), passing, and defense. They are looking for specific things: skills, hustle, and how you move without the ball.
Before the tryout, coaches, scouts, and GMs will look at your basketball resume, which should include stats, height, weight, and position, and teams and tournaments you've played with in the past two years. This is how they size you up before you even touch the court.
While talent is important, coaches also value players who compete, communicate, and don't play selfishly. It's also important to be vocal and defend hard. Even if you don't get picked, you'll gain insight into what separates almost-pros from the rest.
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Resume preparation
To try out for the NBA G League, a professional basketball league in North America, you'll need to prepare a basketball resume that stands out. Here are some detailed tips on how to prepare a strong resume for your G League tryout:
- Honesty is key: Be honest about your skills, experience, and statistics. Scouts will quickly identify any inflated or fake stats. Providing honest information builds trust and showcases your authenticity.
- Recent measurements: Include your current height, weight, and playing position. Ensure that your height measurement is accurate, as scouts will verify it during tryouts.
- Highlight your recent performance: Provide your recent statistics, such as points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, from your most recent league or school participation. For example, if you averaged 7.5 points and 4 rebounds, include that information.
- List your team affiliations: Mention all the teams, leagues, or tournaments you've been a part of in the past two years. This demonstrates your active involvement and commitment to the sport.
- Showcase your unique attributes: Beyond just listing your experiences, explain what makes you different and why you can excel in a professional environment.
- Emphasize your competitiveness and communication skills: G League coaches seek players who compete, communicate effectively, and play for the team rather than individual highlights. Highlight any experiences that showcase these attributes.
- Display your versatility: In addition to your offensive skills, emphasize your defensive capabilities and overall court awareness. Coaches value players who hustle, defend hard, and make smart decisions without the ball in their hands.
- Understand the bigger picture: Demonstrate your knowledge of how the G League fits into the broader basketball landscape. This showcases your passion for the sport and your understanding of the pathway to professional basketball.
- Quality over quantity: Focus on quality experiences and achievements rather than a lengthy list of participations. Highlight the teams and tournaments where you had the most impact and contributed significantly.
- Seek feedback: Before submitting your resume, consider reaching out to former coaches, mentors, or players with G League experience for feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to refine your resume and highlight your strengths effectively.
Remember, your resume is a critical tool for coaches, scouts, and GMs to assess your potential before you even step onto the court. Ensure it accurately represents your skills, experiences, and unique attributes as a basketball player.
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Skill demonstrations
G-League tryouts are usually local and only last one day, making them a minimal time investment. While anyone can sign up for an open tryout, you need to stand out from the masses. Coaches are looking for specific things: skills, hustle, and how you move without the ball.
If you're serious about trying out for the G-League, it's important to understand the bigger basketball picture and what scouts really care about. They will be looking at your basketball resume—your college stats, overseas experience, or high-level AAU performance. Be sure to bring your best game and showcase your unique skills and abilities.
Additionally, it's worth noting that G-League tryouts can be a great opportunity to gain insight and exposure, even if you don't make the final roster. You'll get to observe and learn from other players and gain valuable experience in a professional basketball setting.
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Tryout alternatives
The NBA G League is a professional basketball league in North America, serving as the developmental league of the NBA. Each team holds local tryouts, and one player from the tryouts is assigned to the team. However, there are alternative pathways to joining the G League without participating in these tryouts. Here are some options:
- University Connection: G League teams often include allocation players, who are assigned to a team with which they have a local connection. For example, a player from the University of Texas might be assigned to the Austin Spurs. If you have a notable connection to a university or college, this could be a route onto a G League team.
- Previous Experience: G League rosters are also made up of players from the previous year. If you have experience playing in a semi-professional or professional league, this could be a pathway to the G League without needing to try out.
- G League Draft: Each team's roster includes players taken in the G League draft. While being drafted typically follows successful tryouts, it is not necessarily a requirement.
- NBA Team Assignments: G League teams are affiliated with NBA teams, and their rosters include NBA players. If you have connections to the NBA or are on their radar, you may be assigned to a G League team for development without needing to try out.
- Referee and Official Roles: If you have aspirations to be a referee or official, there are alternative pathways to working in the G League. While experience is beneficial, NBA referee scouts look beyond resumes and focus on qualities and talents. Connecting with NBA officials or programs could help get your foot in the door.
- Special Contracts: As of the 2019-2020 season, the G League began offering select contracts to players who are not yet eligible for the NBA draft. These contracts are for players who do not want to or cannot attend college, offering an alternative route to the G League and potentially beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
The D-League, or the G-League, is a professional basketball league in North America that serves as the developmental league of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The league was founded in 2001 and was initially called the National Basketball Development League (NBDL).
Anyone can sign up for an open tryout, which usually takes place once a year in late summer or early fall. To secure a slot, you'll need to pay a non-refundable fee of around $150 to $250.
During the tryout, coaches will observe your basic skills, such as ball handling, shooting from different spots, passing, and defense. They will also look for specific attributes like skills, hustle, and movement without the ball.
To increase your chances of getting selected, focus on developing your basketball resume. Include your recent measurements, teams and tournaments you've played for, and honest statistics such as points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Additionally, walk into the tryout ready to stand out and showcase your skills, hustle, and court awareness.
