When discussing basketball, conversations often focus solely on the players and coaches on NBA teams. However, what frequently gets overlooked are the individuals grinding their way up through the ranks, particularly those in the G-League. These players refuse to give up, believing they can still earn a role on an NBA team.
Over the past 24 years, the league has undergone significant changes. Originally the D-League, it became the G-League in 2017-18 through a multi-year partnership with Gatorade. Starting with eight teams in 2001, the league now has 31 teams, with 30 affiliated with NBA teams and an independent team in Mexico.
On September 14th, players determined to keep their NBA dreams alive will have the opportunity to try out for the Detroit Pistons’ affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. This one-day, two-session event will allow participants to showcase their talents through NBA-level drills and scrimmages in front of Pistons and Cruise Basketball Operations staff. These local tryouts represent the first step in assembling a G-League roster, often in flux due to player movement, injuries, and NBA call-ups.
The open tryouts have produced some Cinderella stories for the Cruise, proving perseverance can pay off. Who are these players, and what are they doing now? Let’s dive into their journeys and see where they’ve landed.
Chasing Basketball Dreams: Inside Pistons G-League Tryouts and Stories
From Michelin Tires To The Motor City Cruise
Malique Jacobs’ journey in basketball is a testament to perseverance and determination. He started his high school career at Bull City Prep in Charlotte, North Carolina, before moving on to Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. He averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in one season. His performance earned him a spot at Kent State University, where he played for three seasons. At Kent State, Jacobs averaged 12.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.1 steals, with 40/30/72% shooting splits. Jacobs significantly impacted the team, earning three MAC All-Defensive Team honors, 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, and All-MAC recognition.
Jacobs went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft despite his strong college resume. He participated in pre-draft workouts, including with the Pistons, who also scouted Emoni Bates. Without a clear basketball path, Jacobs considered a job at Michelin Tires, which his aunt arranged. However, the Pistons saw potential and invited him to try out for the Cruise. When Jacobs couldn’t afford the $250 fee, his agency, 540 Sports & Entertainment, covered the cost and travel.
The Results
Jacobs earned a spot on the Cruise’s opening night roster a month after his tryout. Although he appeared in three games before being waived, his basketball journey didn’t end there. Jacobs recently played for BC Margveti Tbilisi in the Georgian Superleague, continuing to pursue his dreams internationally.
From D-3 To D-1
After making history at Division III Wesleyan University as the first player in the school’s 120-year history to earn first-team All-American honors, Sam Peek took his talents to Division I, playing for Stetson University. There, he averaged 5.8 points per game, but despite his accomplishments, his collegiate resume wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Undeterred, Peek received invitations to work out for the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. Although both workouts were promising, they didn’t lead to a roster spot. His next opportunity came later in the year when he tried out for the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. Peek’s performance during the tryouts earned him a spot on the team, but his time with the Herd was brief, as he played in only seven games before being released.
However, this setback didn’t mark the end of his journey. In February, the Cruise picked him up, where he initially saw limited action, appearing in 14 games.
Taking Advantage Of The Opportunity With The Motor City Cruise
Peek’s breakthrough came late in the season. Over the final four games, he averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his efficiency with a remarkable 58% shooting from the field and an impressive 71% from beyond the arc. His strong finish invited him to play in the 2024-25 NBA Summer League with the Detroit Pistons, where he averaged 4.5 points in just six minutes of play across two games.
As the team assembles its roster, Peek has a strong chance of making the opening night G-League squad. His story shows the unpredictable and challenging path to an NBA career. It highlights the importance of seizing every opportunity, no matter how small.
The Last Word
The journeys of Malique Jacobs and Sam Peek remind us that the road to success is rarely straight. Both players faced setbacks, from going undrafted to being released from teams. Yet, neither allowed these challenges to define their careers. Instead, they continued to chase their dreams, making the most of every opportunity that came their way.
Their stories highlight the importance of resilience and determination. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, persistence can open doors you never thought possible. Whether securing a spot on a G-League roster or finding success overseas, the key is to keep moving forward, believing in your abilities, and never giving up on your dreams. In the end, it’s this unwavering commitment that can turn obstacles into stepping stones on the path to achieving your goals.
