Gallup, NM. Players came from as far away as Alaska and North Carolina to attend the Inaugural Tryout Camp at the ABA Gallup Talons on June 18, 19. Thirty-five players started the camp Saturday with high hopes and great anticipation as Talons' coach Clayton Shields put them through two days of rigorous drills and scrimmages. The 6,500 feet altitude was telling on some of the athletes, but all kept their "A" game in full view during the almost 13-hour camp."All of the players really competed well," Shields said. "They showed a lot of desire. It was tough to decide who to keep." The first cut came around 4pm Sunday. This preliminary group consisted of 19 players, many from the Navajo Reservation area, and from the Zuni and Santo Domingo Pueblos. The other players are from New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Illinois and Washington. The ones who were cut, although naturally disappointed, were appreciative for the chance they had received and felt that they had learned a little more of what they need to work on in their games.
The players picked were humble and tired. Only one of those picked declined the offer to stay. He will be returning to his college team for his senior year where he maintains a full academic scholarship. Of those players selected, each was individually interviewed by Shields and team owner, Joe Kolb. "I wanted to see what their commitment was to not only basketball but to the community," said Kolb. "I was ecstatic over how these guys want to see this team succeed on and off the court."
A second tryout will be held in Eagle Butte, SD at the Upper Elementary School gymnasium. Players selected from that tryout will be brought to Gallup to train with the initial group. A second and final downsizing will occur sometime in September after players have been further evaluated in practices and exhibition games. For more information, email Joe Kolb at ghsat@hotmail.com or visit www.abalive.com. --
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