Writer: Darryl Jacobs, ESPN & CBS Sports Networks
The squeak of sneakers echoed off the hardwood inside the Henry Ford Health System Performance Center on September 20, where dozens of players laced up for a chance to turn a dream into reality. The Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate, staged its annual open tryouts — a day filled with nerves, sweat, and opportunity.
The tryouts drew players from across the region who each paid $250 to test themselves in front of the Cruise staff. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anxious energy and determined focus. Players pushed through drills, scrimmages, and conditioning, each possession carrying the weight of possibility.
Midway through tryouts, a familiar face walked onto the floor: Lindsey Hunter, a Pistons legend and two-time NBA champion. Hunter didn’t come to lecture — he came to connect. He spoke about his own winding path to the NBA and the obstacles he had to fight through to last 17 seasons in the league.
Hunter: “Love the grind and that your talent will get you here, but your character and discipline will keep you here.” Heads nodded, and even tired legs seemed to find extra bounce. For the hopefuls, hearing from a player who had lived their dream gave the tryout an additional layer of meaning.
A Road Already Traveled
For many, the story of John Ukomadu loomed large over the day. Just one year earlier, he was in the very same gym, a $250 hopeful with nothing promised. His energy, athleticism, and attitude earned him a roster spot, and he made the most of it.
Ukomadu went on to average 9.6 points per game last season while shooting 51.5 percent from the field and a blistering 46.2 percent from three-point range. He added 3.5 rebounds a game and started in eight of his 32 appearances. His high-flying style even earned him a spot in the G League Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend.
Earlier this month, Ukomadu signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons before being waived and reassigned to the Cruise. For General Manager Max Unger, his journey is the best example of why these tryouts matter.
“John showed that if you put in the work, opportunities will come,” Unger said. “He’s the perfect example of what these tryouts represent — a platform to showcase talent, and sometimes a doorway to the NBA.”
Summer League Momentum
The Cruise isn’t just finding talent — they’re developing it. This past July, the team made waves in Las Vegas during the NBA Summer League, leaning on a group primarily made up of last year’s roster. Dannis Jenkins, Tolu Smith, Bobi Klintman, and Ukomadu all played significant roles, showing growth, poise, and chemistry. Their performance validated the Cruise’s approach and gave fans a glimpse of what could be in store this season.
“Continuity is so important,” Unger said. “Seeing our guys perform well in Las Vegas shows the value of development and the strength of the system we’re building here.”
Steady Leadership
That system runs through head coach Jamelle McMillian, who enters his third year leading the Cruise. The son of longtime NBA coach Nate McMillian, Jamelle grew up around the game and has built a reputation as a sharp basketball mind with a calm, professional presence.
“Jamelle is a pro and a basketball lifer,” Unger said. “He’s learned from some of the best and knows what it takes to help players succeed. Having him lead this group has been a huge advantage for us.”
Looking Ahead
As the day wound down and players left the court, sweat-soaked and exhausted, the reality of the opportunity they’d just had begun to sink in. Some will get a call back. Many won’t. But every single player left having tested themselves at a professional level — and having heard from a man like Hunter that the dream is possible.
For the Cruise, the tryouts were another reminder of the program’s value. Talent can come from anywhere, and stories like Ukomadu’s prove it. With a strong summer behind them, a proven coaching staff, and a roster that blends returning players with new faces, the Cruise are poised for an exciting season.
“The excitement we saw in Las Vegas and at tryouts tells me we’re moving in the right direction,” Unger said. “Our players are hungry, our coaches are prepared, and we’re ready to take another step forward this season.”
The Motor City Cruise will tip off its 2025 campaign this fall, carrying with it the energy of tryout day — and the dreams of those who dared to chase a shot at the pros.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Darryl Jacobs is a nationally recognized sports journalist and basketball commentator/analyst, affiliated with esteemed networks such as ESPN, CBS, and NBA Television Sports Networks. As a seasoned sports executive with over 20 years of experience in higher education, corporate, professional sports leadership, and nonprofit management, Jacobs possesses a unique blend of expertise.
A recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, Dr. Jacobs has collaborated extensively with professional athletes and has held leadership roles on several national boards focused on education, sports, and community development.
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