Toronto Raptors Summer League Squad Ready To Hit The Hardwood In Las Vegas
By RaptorTalkThe Toronto Raptors announced the roster that will participate in the 2008 NBA Las Vegas Summer League from July 12th to 19th.
These 11 young men will have to set aside the oppressive summer heat in Vegas and all the other distractions in Sin City as they pursue their dreams of becoming legit NBA stars.
Former first round draft pick, Joey Graham is part of the squad. The hope is that a series of live games will help Joey develop his on-court instincts so that he can hopefully become a decent contributor next season. With the Raptors unlikely to re-sign Carlos Delfino, the door of opportunity has once again been opened for Graham.
Watching Danny Granger shine in a Pacers uniform only reinforces that Rob Babcock likley made the wrong draft selection. Its up to Joey to perform like a first round draft pick should and prove us naysayers wrong.
Down the strip a mile or so and hang a left - that's where the guys will be playing hoops
It is also a reunion of sorts for a couple of Oklahoma State teammates - Joey Graham and John Lucas III. The duo led the Cowboys to the Final Four in 2004 and tied a school record with 31 wins. Lucas is the son of former Raptors special assistant and NBA star and former head coach - John Lucas. Lucas III has played professionally with the Houston Rockets and Benetton Treviso (Italy).
Also included on the roster are four players who were part of the Raptors free agent camp - Hassan Adams, Deji Akindele, Rod Benson and Coleman Collins. Only Adams has been signed to a contract at this point. Joel Bosh is the younger brother of Chris Bosh and he will make his professional debut following a four years at Alabama State.
The notable absence is that of second round pick, Nathan Jawai of Australia. One has to assume that Jawai may have faced some work visa issues, which are preventing him particpating. That is pure speculation, but one wonders why he is not on the squad.
Raptors Summer League Schedule
Saturday, July 12 vs. Sacramento @ 4 p.m. (ET)
Monday, July 14 vs. Denver @ 6 p.m. (ET)
Thursday, July 17 vs. Philadelphia @ 8 p.m. (ET)
Friday, July 18 vs. L.A. Lakers @ 8:30 p.m. (ET)
Saturday, July 19 vs. Golden State @ 6 p.m. (ET)
Raptors Official Summer League Roster
| Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Birth Date | School |
| Hassan Adams | F | 6-4 | 220 | 06/20/84 | Arizona |
| Deji Akindele | C | 6-10 | 240 | 04/03/83 | Chicago State |
| Sean Banks | F | 6-8 | 210 | 01/20/85 | Memphis |
| Rod Benson | C | 6-10 | 235 | 10/10/84 | California |
| Joel Bosh | F | 6-7 | 185 | 03/11/86 | Alabama State |
| Coleman Collins | F | 6-9 | 236 | 06/22/86 | Virginia Tech |
| Daniel Ewing | G | 6-3 | 185 | 03/26/83 | Duke |
| Thomas Gardner | F | 6-5 | 213 | 02/08/85 | Missouri |
| C.J. Giles | C | 6-11 | 240 | 09/25/85 | Oregon State |
| Joey Graham | F | 6-7 | 225 | 6/11/82 | Oklahoma State |
| John Lucas | G | 5-11 | 165 | 11/21/82 | Oklahoma State |
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