Ever since
Earl Calloway left IU and began playing for the
Fort Wayne Mad Ants with fellow teammate
Roderick Wilmont, he's had his eyes on the NBA. Now it seems like he's closer than ever to reaching his goal, and he's been
keeping a blog on the NBA Development League site about working toward that goal.
Calloway is working closer to an NBA gig
Calloway has been a stud for the Mad Ants, a Detroit Piston and Indiana Pacer affiliate, from the point guard position. The 6'3", 175 lb guard received 2007-08 All-NBA Development League Honorable Mention back in April, and was
named team MVP for the Mad Ants this past season as well.
According to the Mad Ants site,
Calloway started in 46 of the Mad Ants 50 games, averaging 19 points, 5.8 assists, and 2 steals per game and ranked 8th in scoring average, 6th in assists, 4th in steals, and 4th in free throw percentage among the league’s leaders. Calloway scored more than 30 points in 5 games including a 44 point performance March 22nd...
He recently scored 16 points scored 16 points against Oklahoma City, going against former UCLA star
Russell Westbrook as well as his friend and former teammate,
DJ White. He went 5-for-6 from the field and tallied seven assists, but also turned the ball over four times.
His performances haven't gone unnoticed. Pacers coach
Jim O'Brien told Jeff Rabjohns of the Indianapolis Star that they think Calloway "is an NBA guard" this weekend.
Jeff Potter, the president of the Mad Ants, said that the performance was "a great start for Earl, and it solidifies him as a real NBA caliber player," on his blog.
The Pacers have an opening at point guard, so it appears that the former Hoosier has a golden opportunity to get onto the roster this upcoming season. If he keeps up his current pace, his chances will only improve.
Meanwhile Wilmont has been a solid contributor, but hasn't been a consistent performer. He is averaging 11.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
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Does Calloway have the talent to break into the NBA ranks? What's next for the former Hoosier standout? Post your thoughts below!
More IU basketball discussion
Related links:
NBA Development League: Earl Calloway’s Summer League Blog
NBA Development League: President’s Blog
Earl Calloway making a name in summer league | Inside the Hall | An Indiana basketball blog
IndyStar.com | Pacers Insider | The Indianapolis Star
Pacers strike early, cruise to victory | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
Pacers like ex-Hoosier Calloway | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
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