Dakota Wizards to Hold Open Tryouts in Bay Area
September 7, 2011 - NBA G League (G League)
Dakota Wizards News Release
BISMARCK, ND - The Dakota Wizards, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, will hold an Open Tryout for the upcoming 2011-12 season on Saturday, October 15, at Dream Courts in Hayward, CA (22290 Hathaway Avenue), it was announced today. The tryouts are scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Basketball players aspiring to earn a spot on the D-League team roster can visit www.dakotawizards.com to find additional details and a full registration packet, which must be completed and submitted prior to participating in the tryout. The participation fee to secure a spot in the tryouts is $125 if paid by September 23, and increases to $150 for applications submitted after September 23 and for walkups.
"These are the opportunities that make dreams come true," said Jim Weyermann, President of the Dakota Wizards. "I have personally watched young players enter the various developmental leagues in basketball/baseball and end up playing for a Championship. You simply never know what you will find in an open tryout situation."
In recent years, several players have made D-League rosters after attending Open Tryouts and gone on to enjoy success in the NBA's minor league. Just last summer, forward Mike Anderson, who played collegiately at Virginia Commonwealth, attended Dakota's Open Tryout in Washington D.C. and earned a spot on the team's roster. During the 2010-11 season, Anderson averaged 12.1 points in 50 games (22 starts) for the Wizards.
"With the explosion of basketball talent throughout the world, there is always the chance that we get introduced to a really good player" said Kirk Lacob, General Manager for the Dakota Wizards. "Our goal in acquiring the D-League team was to strengthen our overall player development system for the Golden State Warriors. This is our first step towards accomplishing that goal."
"With the D-League season rapidly approaching, I am looking forward to this Open Tryout in the Bay Area," said Dakota Wizards head coach Nate Bjorkgren. "This a great opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of our coaching staff. Each year, players make a D-League roster through their local tryouts. This year will be no different."
On June 28, 2011, the Bay Area-based Golden State Warriors purchased the Dakota Wizards, forming a one-to-one affiliate relationship between the two clubs. The Warriors are currently one of five teams in the NBA to own and operate their D-League affiliate.
For more information on the tryouts and the Dakota Wizards, visit www.dakotawizards.com.
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