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Former Western Kentucky Guard Kahlil McDonald Catches On With Team in Australia

Having previously tried his luck at the D-League via a handful of open tryouts, former Western Kentucky guard Kahlil McDonald has recently caught on with a team in Australia.

By Keith Schlosser
Gregory Shamus

From one year to the next, the NBA D-League landscape can look entirely different. Of course, there are a slew of players, and coaches, and front office executives who find themselves moving on up after earning promotions to The Association. But for those players who are unable to just yet, venturing overseas to cash in on a more lucrative contract in the meantime becomes a more likely option.

Kahlil McDonald's story is playing out a bit differently, but still, the same general idea (and/or goal, for that matter) remains. He, like many others, is still on that grind.

Prior to last season, the former Western Kentucky guard hit the NBADL tryout circuit, hoping to impress minor league coaches and executives alike enough to earn himself a look heading into camp. McDonald held his own in group workouts with teams like the Erie BayHawks and Iowa Energy, putting forth an interesting combination of skills. Able to play either guard position, the 6'3" and 200 pound McDonald has a decent enough jump-shoot, but truly thrives while running the break in transition and looking for his teammates in the open floor. He keeps opposes defenders honest in a number of different ways.

Despite a strong showing in both open tryouts, McDonald went undrafted in the 2012 D-League Draft. Since, he's bounced around, his time highlighted by a gig in the PBL and a short stint as a practice player for the Maine Red Claws.

It'll be interesting to see if McDonald can make his way back on the D-League radar this coming fall through similar workouts and training camp to follow, but in the meantime, he'll strut his stuff overseas.

The young gun has caught on with the SunCoast Clippers of the QBL in Australia.

As we often note, playing overseas isn't always the most glamorous way to go, but McDonald called his latest gig "truly a blessing." It's good to see him keep his head in the game while continuing to compete at some level.

Given the skills he's been to known to put on display previously, the guard could be worth another look by D-League teams once again this coming fall.