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When on the lookout for promising talent, NBA D-League executives aren't known to favor high-scoring types. Instead, their eyes are peeled for those players who can do all of the little things well. The athletes who stand out are those who spread the floor effectively, play steady defense, look for teammates in the open floor, etc.
Hoping to make a lasting impact in the D-League (and potentially soon after, the NBA as well), aspiring players need to focus on being perfect complementary pieces to the talent already gracing the big league hardwood. It's all about having a diverse skill set and being different. What kind of X-Factor does one game's have to elevate him to the next level? That's often a fundamental question when evaluating potential D-League talent.
With that in mind, for what's worth, NBADL hopeful Ahmad Aasiya-Bey's confidence is not one to waver. The guard, who participated in the minor league's national tryout in New York City earlier this summer, appears ready to take on Kobe Bryant in a little one on one matchup, when the superstar regains his health. See below.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I would put money that I can beat Kobe in a one on one game <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bold&src=hash">#bold</a></p>— Ahmad Aasiya-Bey (@Thoyguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thoyguy/statuses/365724443928043520">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Its what i do ! Gotta have confidence.</p>— Ahmad Aasiya-Bey (@Thoyguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thoyguy/statuses/365724563205668865">August 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Whether he aimed to display more boldness and/or humor, Aasiya-Bey undoubtedly showed a little bit of personality there as well. An always colorful tweeter, he's a high-character type of player. Amongst all of the other intangibles executives seem to look for, making sure players can fit right in by being a good teammate and giving off positive vibes is undoubtedly on their priority list as well.
Aasiya-Bey, a combo guard, was quite bouncy at the league's tryout in June. Not simply due to his ability to get up high and slam it down, the young gun displayed impressive quickness on the court with an extra pep in his step as well.
He'll be entered into the 2013 NBADL Draft later this fall.