The Breakers shooting guard Corey Webster has taken the next step towards a place in the NBA, with New Orleans inviting the 26-year-old to attend another training camp at the end of September.
Breakers star Corey Webster in action in the NBL Photo: Photosport
The Breakers said the invite can be seen as a sign that the Pelicans have been impressed by Webster in his three days training with the coaching team and available players this past week and want him to vie for a place on the playing roster for the upcoming season.
Webster was in a buoyant mood when talking of the latest development.
"I am not there yet but this is another positive step towards my dream of playing in the NBA. The past week has gone well and the coaches have been impressed enough by the workouts to want me to stay for the training camp on a non-guaranteed contract.
"It is again up to me now to prove my value to the organization, to put my head down and give it my best shot at training camp. I came here this week with a three day window to impress, this has bought me more time and a chance to take the jump into the actual NBA roster.
The Breakers CEO Richard Clarke is delighted for Webster, with the club continuing to monitor his progress with great interest and excitement.
"We are thrilled for Corey but understand that this is just another small step along the way. We are proud of how far Corey has come and while welcome, this news is no surprise to us knowing the freakish talent that he is on the basketball court.
"It doesn't change anything for us as a club at the moment however, Dean (Vickerman) will continue the pre-season and look at options within the current roster to cover Corey's absence. Any decisions about a long term replacement will be left for a few weeks until there is some certainty about his (Webster's) future.
With the camp taking place from September 29 to October 2, Webster will not return in the interim, instead staying to continue to work out with Pelicans coaching and support staff to ensure he is as ready as he can be to chase a shooting guard contract on the NBA roster with the New Orleans franchise.
David Wolf of Full Circle Sports Management was clearly delighted with his client's news, but also spoke highly of the role the Breakers have played in proceedings.
"It is always a significant achievement when a player can break into the NBA, especially when doing so from outside the traditional pathway of the College system and the draft. But Corey is showing that he more than belongs at that level, and is thanks in no small way to the Breakers organization and the work they have done with Corey throughout his career, in good and tough times.
"The Breakers' support has been extremely important through the process in recent weeks. It has been great for Corey as he chases his dream and is a huge credit to the club and its culture."
