Bay Pro-Am League Gives Opportunity To Players, Officials
Published: Jul 17, 2007
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TAMPA - The Bay Pro-Am league might serve as a training ground for NBA officials, but it is also a springboard for players to make it professionally.
The Pro-Am was started in 1980 and now has summer leagues in 24 cities. Filling the rosters are current and former college and NBA players, mostly from the area but not always. Games last until August, when a champion is crowned.
After he was granted permission to revive the Bay Pro-Am league a few years ago, former Indiana Pacers player Haywoode Workman made a conscious effort to ensure that things were organized and efficient. It is something he prides himself on and what he refers to as things "not missing a beat" when he's at the helm.
He's not paid and he's no David Stern - and he doesn't want to be.
"I don't represent players and I don't have all the answers," Workman said. "I know if I get to the NBA [as an official] that I will bring credibility. Guys might come up to me after I call a foul and say, 'C'mon, man, you used to do it,' but I'm not worried about that. I know what to look for out there on the court."
Tampa native Shane Thorson, 24, plays shooting guard for the Sharks in the Pro-Am league. He played for Tampa Prep and the University of Tampa from 2004-2006.
"[Signing a contract] to play overseas would be a dream come true," said Thorson who scored 16 points in a victory over UT's "All Net" squad last month. "The opportunity to play in the Pro-Am and then go overseas is all I can ask for. It's been good for me to get this exposure."
For Kazim Ahounou, a rising sophomore forward at Hillsborough Community College, the Bay Pro-Am is a way to earn more minutes for the upcoming season.
"I didn't play that much this [season]," said Ahounou, 21, who played his high school ball in Benin, Africa. "[The American] game is quicker and smarter … so this league is good for me to get better. I can watch these good players and pick up a lot of things."
Jerry Reynolds, who enjoyed an eight-year NBA career during what he calls the "Glory Years" of the league, helps train several of the Pro-Am players. Reynolds is now an assistant basketball coach at Webber International and stops by the Pro-Am games to offer advice and counsel.
"[The Pro-Am league] is a vehicle, any way you look at it," said Reynolds, who recalls Larry Bird as the greatest player he has ever played against. "These guys think they're in shape, but they don't know. Playing is fine, but if you're mental game isn't strong, you're not going to make it."
The Bay Pro-Am league holds its games at University of Tampa, Eckerd College and Hillsborough Community College. Admission is free.
For a full schedule, visit www.BayProAmFla.com.
Reporter Todd Johnson can be reached at (813) 259-7617 or rtjohnson@tampatrib.com.
