CHASING THE DREAM IN UTAH

CHASING THE DREAM IN UTAH

Utah Flash Hold Free Agent Tryouts Sept. 29 at Open Court in Lehi

PROVO, Utah, Sept. 20, 2007 – Every basketball player with visions of playing in the NBA has the opportunity to take advantage of a tremendous opportunity to take the next step in realizing that dream on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Open Court in Lehi, Utah.

The Utah Flash, the NBA Development league team based in Orem and directly affiliated with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, is conducting an open tryout beginning at noon MT with the guarantee of at least one player, and maybe more, emerging from the on-court audition with an invitation to earn a roster spot for Flash training camp which begins Nov. 9.

In addition to the Flash basketball operations and coaching staff, former Utah Jazz star Thurl Bailey and other members of the Jazz basketball operations staff are expected to be present at the workouts.

"Probably the greatest thing about the D-League is it provides opportunity," Flash general manager David Fredman said. "Opportunity coupled with hard work has earned nearly 100 players call-ups to NBA teams since the league began in 2001-02.

"While NBADL players are arguably the best players in the world not on an NBA roster, there have been, and will continue to be, those diamonds in the rough, that untapped talent, that can only be found in a setting like this," Fredman said. "If I've learned one thing in all my years in professional basketball, it's that you never pass on an opportunity to see someone play and evaluate their capabilities."

Players should arrive at Open Court, 11541 North Frontage Road in Lehi (I-15 Exit 284) by noon MT. Workouts over four courts begin at 12:30 p.m. and run throughout the afternoon. Players will compete in drills to test their skills and conditioning prior to dividing into teams for several games.

"We have a day of high-intensity, highly structured workouts scheduled across four basketball floors in a great facility," Flash head coach Brad Jones said. "Every player will leave Open Court knowing they got a great look and a full opportunity to pursue their hoop dreams."

With league approval, at least one player from the open tryout will be selected for an opportunity to make the Flash roster. Fredman and Jones will bring 17 players to camp as preparations continue for the Flash's inaugural season.

Players interested in tryouts need to complete a registration form, player disclosure form and player release and eligibility form. Each player should arrive ready to remit a cashier's check for $150 made payable to G Code Hoops. Forms are available online at utahflash.com or can be picked up at the Utah Flash front office at 5017 N Edgewood in Provo. Players will be provided jerseys for the workout and will be allowed to keep them following the tryout.

Players needing overnight accommodations should contact Devin Slorah at the Hampton Inn in Lehi to receive a special Flash rate of $79.99. The Hampton Inn is two miles from Open Court.

PLAYER CONTACT: Kevin Young / 678-754-6191 or 801-434- 4667 / kevin@utahflash.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Kent Partridge / 801-310-8412 / kent@utahflash.com