'Clear and Present Danger' closer to NBA deal
TweetCOREY “Clear and Present Danger” Webster is a mighty step closer to joining Sean Marks, Kirk Penney and Steve Adams as New Zealand’s Fourth NBA Musketeer after being invited to attend training camp with New Orleans Pelicans.
The Breakers’ multiple-NBL championship-winning shooting guard is coming off another massive international off-season with the Tall Blacks, dazzling against the Boomers across Oceania after leading New Zealand’s scoring at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
The invite to camp doesn’t mean he’s there yet but he has taken a huge step, signing a non-guaranteed contract.
“I am not there yet but this is another positive step towards my dream of playing in the NBA,” the dynamic 26-year-old said.
“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 organisation, 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.”
POINTS MADE: Corey Webster shows his stuff against the USA's NBA stars at the World Cup.
The Breakers, who stand to lose their most outstanding scorer since Kirk Penney, have been exceptionally gracious, appreciating how wonderful this opportunity is for not only Webster but also the Auckland-based NBL club.
“We are thrilled for Corey but understand that this is just another small step along the way,” Breakers CEO Richard Clarke said.
“We are proud of how far Corey has come and while welcome, this news is no surprise to us knowing the freakish talent he is on the basketball court.
“We just want to wish Corey all the best and have him give this opportunity 100 per cent of his focus and become the first SKYCITY Breaker to progress through to the NBA.
“What a wonderful endorsement of the club, our pathways, coaching and mentoring programs that would be.”
While the Breakers don’t have to rush to find a replacement yet – Reuben Te Rangi has an open door in front of him – the Pelicans’ camp will run from September 29-October 2, eliminating Webster from the NBL Blitz in Townsville from September 23-27 as he won’t be back in the interim.
“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,” said David Wolf of Full Circle Management, Webster’s agents.
“But Corey is showing he more than belongs at that level, and it is thanks in no small way to the Breakers organisation and the work they have done with him throughout his career, in good and tough times.
"Together with our NBA partner Bell Management International, we are delighted to have identified and managed this opportunity for Corey.
“The Breakers' support has been extremely important through the process. It has been great for Corey as he chases his dream and is a huge credit to the club and its culture.”
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