BLACK mobile logo

michigan

sports

Motor City Cruise Tryouts Showcase Dreams, Determination, and Development

September 23, 2025

The Motor City Cruise, the Detroit Pistons' G League affiliate, recently held its annual open tryouts at the Henry Ford Health System Performance Center where hopeful basketball players paid $250 to showcase their skills before team staff. Former Pistons player Lindsey Hunter made an appearance to share his NBA journey and inspire participants with advice about character and discipline. The tryouts highlight success stories like John Ukomadu, who went from being a tryout participant last year to earning a roster spot, performing well in the G League, and eventually signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons.

Who is affected

  • Aspiring basketball players who participated in the tryouts
  • The Motor City Cruise organization and coaching staff
  • General Manager Max Unger
  • John Ukomadu, former tryout participant who earned a roster spot
  • Detroit Pistons organization (as the parent team)
  • Head coach Jamelle McMillian
  • Fans of the Motor City Cruise

What action is being taken

  • The Motor City Cruise is conducting annual open tryouts for potential G League players
  • The organization is developing talent through their G League system, as demonstrated by their Summer League performance
  • Lindsey Hunter is actively mentoring and inspiring tryout participants by sharing his NBA journey
  • The Cruise is maintaining continuity in their coaching staff with Jamelle McMillian entering his third year
  • The team is preparing for their upcoming 2025 season with a blend of returning and new players

Why it matters

  • The tryouts provide a legitimate pathway to professional basketball, as demonstrated by John Ukomadu's progression from tryout participant to G League player to signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons
  • The Cruise's player development system is showing success, validated by their strong performance in the NBA Summer League
  • The program creates opportunities for undiscovered talent to enter the professional basketball pipeline
  • Continuity in coaching and development helps establish a stronger system for player growth
  • Success stories like Ukomadu's (averaging 9.6 points on 51.5% shooting and 46.2% from three-point range) demonstrate the effectiveness of the G League development model

What's next

  • The Motor City Cruise will begin their 2025 campaign in the fall
  • Some tryout participants will receive callbacks while many will not
  • The team will continue building on their Summer League momentum with a roster blending returning players and new faces
  • The organization will continue their player development approach under coach McMillian's leadership

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle