The start of a new season is always an exciting time, but this year’s Erie BayHawks training camp has an extra bit of sizzle for the local following. Center Kyle Goldcamp (Gannon) and guard Joe Jones (Edinboro) spent the past few seasons dazzling fans of their respective schools. Starting today, they are among an elite group of 17 players being considered for one of just 10 spots on the 2009-10 Erie BayHawks, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
Both Goldcamp and Jones earned invites to Erie’s training camp via free agent tryouts, meaning they’ve already made strong first impressions on the BayHawks’ coaching staff. Still, both Goldcamp and Jones know that making the jump from DII to the D-League won’t be an easy one.
“It’s a lot more physical; everyone’s talented at this level,” says Goldcamp. The 6’10” Goldcamp towered over most of the competition during his tenure at Gannon, but he’s one of five players in camp listed at 6’10” or taller. “I don’t feel small too often, but there’s some really good size here. You just have to use the strengths you have and welcome the challenge.”
Like Goldcamp, Jones embraces the chance to compete against elite talent. “A lot of these guys are from D1 programs. It’s a blessing from God just to have this opportunity to go up against the cream of the crop,” Jones says. “[Edinboro University] Coach [Greg] Walcavich really helped me develop my game every year to the point where I’m now able to showcase my talent against these guys.”
Historically, when people in Erie think of basketball, the first two things that come to mind are the Gannon University men’s teams, which have made 22 NCAA Division II tournament appearances including last year’s run to the quarterfinals, and the McDonald’s High School Basketball Classic, which has brought some of the nation’s best teams and players to Erie every winter since 1983.
Now the BayHawks, the newest form and highest level of basketball in Erie, have the chance to add two players who have each experienced some of the area’s most pressure-packed games. Goldcamp made his mark on the local basketball scene at Gannon, averaging 16.7 points per game in his career, good for sixth on the Golden Knights’ all-time list. Jones, an Erie native, played in the spotlight that is the McDonald’s Classic for Cathedral Prep earlier this decade before starring for three seasons at Edinboro where he scored 16.8 points per game, seventh best in school history.
The two local college stars are looking to do their alma mater and the community proud by making the BayHawks opening day roster, but they’re aware of the additional scrutiny that comes with the local recognition. “People are always asking if you made the team, and you have to tell ‘em it’s only training camp right now,” Jones says. “A lot of these guys can fill it up in terms of scoring, so I’m here to do whatever it takes―lockdown defense, no turnovers. To me, it’s all about hard work and dedication.”
Goldcamp responded similarly to a question about feeling the added pressure of the Gannon fans rooting for his success. “There’s definitely pressure,” he says, “but I’m looking at it as added motivation inspiring me to play and represent Gannon.”
With the pleasantries of media day finished, the real work begins tonight. And the players have no time to waste. The D-League requires that rosters be trimmed down to 12 by next Wednesday, Nov. 18. Those 12 will represent the BayHawks in a preseason game in Meadville, Pa., against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants on Friday, Nov. 20. Then the final 10-man roster must be set by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 26. The following day, Erie tips off the the regular season on the road in Fort Wayne. The BayHawks open the season with four straight road games before their home opener on Dec. 12.
For now, Jones and Goldcamp are but two of 17 trying to make that final 10. For anyone unfamiliar with the D-League, the competition is tougher than you’d imagine. The players who make the team will be a phone call away from an NBA roster. The training camp roster is loaded, featuring players with NBA experience and NCAA Division I national championship experience as well as players from the ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 conference.
The point is that Goldcamp and Jones made it this far for a reason. They can flat out play. There’s no room on a 10-man roster for charity cases, no free passes just because a player is homegrown. After speaking with Goldcamp and Jones, it’s clear that they know this is a situation where they’ll have to play their way onto this team with outstanding effort and performances over the next few days. If either or both of them earn a spot, it’ll be a great day for basketball in Erie, especially the fans of Gannon, Edinboro, and Cathedral Prep. I know I’m pulling for them.
The BayHawks may not have the history of Gannon basketball or the McDonald’s Classic. But like the prospects they’ve brought into training camp, they’ve got the potential for a very bright future. Today, BayHawks Head Coach John Treloar said, “I believe this team can become the premiere D-League franchise.” To make that happen, Erie will have to make its presence felt in the stands on game nights, and if Goldcamp and Jones have their way, Erie will make its presence felt on the court as well.
When professional basketball came to Erie, Matt Hubert knew he had to get involved. Having been cut from the varsity as a high school junior, he ruled out player immediately. Long story short, he settled on blogger and now spends his free time covering the BayHawks and the NBA Development League at Blog Talk BayHawk. Throughout the season, Matt will write a once-a-weekish guest post here at ErieBlogs.
