Coppin State Alum Tony Gallo Heads For 2015 NBA D-League Draft

With the 2015 NBA D-League Draft less than two weeks away (October 31st), Coppin State alum Tony Gallo is among the most recent guards to have signed their contracts with the league, a source tells RidiculousUpside.com. He is eligible for selection.

Unlike some of the younger players who are seeking a shot in the D-League after going undrafted fresh off a stint at the collegiate level, the 5'11" guard comes along boasting a wealth of experience already. Since concluding his time at Coppin State in 2012, Gallo has gone on to play professionally in Holland, Canada, and the ABA.

Such experience is surely to aid him in his hopes of eventually getting drafted on Halloween, as it likely means the learning curve won't necessarily be as steep for him. He has already been exposed to the game on a professional level in many avenues, which suggests he may be able to make more of an immediate impact, as opposed to going through a slower transition.

In any event, if such experience isn't enough to suggest he may warrant a look, perhaps his production in the NCAA may also help. En route to averaging over 17 points and 4 assists per game as a senior, Gallo also notably scored in double-figures against eventual NBA guards Kemba Walker (UConn) and Brandon Knight (Kentucky). What's more, he was also,  coincidentally enough, college teammates with fellow NBADL and NBLC alumni Akeem Ellis. For his efforts during senior year, Gallo was named a first team All-MEAC member.

Though he did average 1.3 steals, Gallo's smaller frame may present him with difficulties matching up against some of the D-League's taller and/or stronger guards. Still, given the competition he has already faced over the years, he's likely to, at least, be up for the challenge.

A Massachusetts native, Gallo participated in an open tryout with the Maine Red Claws earlier this fall.