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Tim Ohlbrecht Keeps Eyes On NBA Return While Weighing Overseas Options

Recently waived by the 76ers, former RGV Vipers big man Tim Ohlbrecht has remained stateside as he eyes an NBA return, while at the same time, weighing other offers overseas.

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Nearly a year ago today, Tim Ohlbrecht was one of nearly 200 basketball prospects hoping for a fresh start with an eye on greener pastures via the NBA D-League Draft. After attending an open tryout with the Bakersfield Jam, the big man signed his minor league contract and was eligible to be selected.

Drafted by a team that clearly has an eye for intriguing young talent, the former German National team player was picked up by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Through 32 contests, Ohlbrecht averaged 13.4 points (on 61% shooting), 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per contest.

With some national exposure coming his (and the league's) way via the D-League Showcase this past January, Ohlbrecht soared and undoubtedly opened some eyes of worthy NBA decision-makers. Not soon after, he was signed by the Houston Rockets, the NBA affiliate of RGV.

Though he was employed by Houston, Ohlbrecht played sparingly for the big league club and ended up spending most of his time assigned to the Vipers in the months to follow anyway. Nevertheless, the 25 year old still played a key role in helping the minor league squad win the NBADL championship.

Last season, Ohlbrecht's first season stateside was filled with promise and some potential good fortunes. But the harsh reality of The Association is, regardless of how much talent one has, things aren't always guaranteed. He was picked up via waivers by the 76ers earlier in the offseason, but has since been let go by the rebuilding Philadelphia squad.

Ohlbrecht has a very unique and intriguing skill set for a big man. He's very crafty inside and knows how to allude defenders to get to the hoop with ease. Defensively, he can turn things up a notch and assert him physically. With good instincts and quick hands, he's quite the pestering defender.

But with a new basketball season officially underway, Ohlbrecht finds himself without a team. Still, RidiculousUpside.com has learned that the big man has in fact stayed in the states all this time. In fact, the big man has recently moved to San Antonio, continuing to work out while staying hopeful another gig in The Association will come his way.

He's certainly shown enough potential to warrant another chance. Ohlbrecht (who's now fully represented by (Scorers 1st Sportmanagment) is the type of big man a team should be intrigued by. He has the skills necessary, and some reps against more formidable competition to help prove his worth even more wouldn't hurt. With some time, Ohlbrecht could find his way in the NBA.

Still, a young gun already of international fame, Ohlbrecht isn't turning his back to another opportunity overseas just yet, is apparently already receiving much interest and a number of overseas offers as he contemplates his next career move.

Even so, the fact that Ohlbrecht has stayed put locally as he continues to stay in shape proves just how dedicated he is to potentially making things work in the NBA. He believes in his ability to do so, and now, all a big league team has to do is say they share the same sentiments by giving him another opportunity.