Sixers' affiliate to host open tryouts

PORTLAND, MAINE – The Maine Red Claws announced that the team will hold open tryouts on Saturday, October 1 at Competitive Edge in King of Prussia, PA. 

This will be the team’s second open tryout for the 2011-12 season, and the first-ever held in the Philadelphia area, home of the Red Claws newest NBA affiliate, the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Our first season, we held successful tryouts in the cities of our two NBA affiliates, the Charlotte Bobcats and the Boston Celtics,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “With the addition of the 76ers as an NBA affiliate as we enter the 2011-12 season, we thought it only appropriate to add a tryout in the Philadelphia area. There are so many universities and quality basketball programs in the region and surrounding areas, we are looking forward to the talent that will attend the tryout and hopefully discovering a future Red Claws player or two.”

The single-day tryout format will include team drills, individual skills work and scrimmages. Red Claws General Manager and President Jon Jennings, Head Coach Dave Leitao and Red Claws basketball operations and support staff will be on-hand to evaluate participants. The camp is scheduled from 9 AM to 4 PM, with registration beginning at 8 AM and is not open to the public.

The Red Claws have enjoyed tremendous success uncovering talent through open tryout camps, with five players earning invites to training camp and eventually making the Red Claws over two seasons. Last season, two players received invitations to training camp and went on to play for the 2010-11 Red Claws.

The fee for the tryouts will be $150 in advance or $200 at the door. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.maineredclaws.com.  The number of participants will be limited and must meet NBA D-League player eligibility requirements as outlined on the registration form.