While hitting the hardwood on Father's Day 2014 at the Basketball City facility in the Big Apple, approximately 200 hopefuls aimed to impress the slew of NBA and D-League executives in the building.

Of course, standing out amongst the rest on such a busy day with so much else going on can certainly prove to be a tricky task.

Perhaps that's why those that earned themselves a minor league contract (and subsequent eligibility for the 2014 D-League Draft) stemming from the day's festivities should be given all the more credit. These are the players that happened to thrive under the pressure of all the watchful eyes.

After strutting his stuff in the national tryout, SUNY Maritime alum Jermelle Fraser continued to put in the work this fall, participating in open tryouts with teams like the Maine Red Claws, Idaho Stampede, and Reno Bighorns. Additional clubs were intrigued by him following the national tryout as well, one team source tells RidiculousUpside.com.

Such hard work has so far paid off for Fraser, as he has received a contract and thus entered the D-League Draft, RidiculousUpside.com has learned.

Despite such recent progress, the guard has had to show some resiliency and perseverance over the years. Having been cut from his high school team, recruitment going into college was slow. It wasn't until his success at SUNY Maritime that his dreams of becoming a pro came closer to a reality.

Choosing to take his talent overseas last season, the point guard averaged 18.7 points and 3.9 assists through a short stint with KB Drita in the Kosovo Superleague. As a pro, he continues to prove himself as a speedy floor general who isn't afraid to drive into traffic as he attacks the basket hoping to score. He can control the tempo on offense and run well in transition.

The D-League Draft will take place on Saturday, November 1st.