With one week to go until the 2013 National Basketball League of Canada Draft, players are preparing for the pre-draft combine where they will have the chance to showcase their skills in front of professional coaches, managers, and scouts in hopes of earning a contract and being drafted.

The tryouts are open to any and all aspiring basketball players and Canadians are especially invited to take part in Day 1 of the combine on Saturday August 17 titled “Canadian Players Day.” There are a few remaining spots available. The 2013 NBL Canada Draft Combine and Pre-Draft Training Program are hosted by the Athlete Institute, located at 207321 Hwy 9, in Orangeville, Ontario. The combine provides a unique opportunity for Canadian players to earn a roster spot and play professionally while living close to home.

Aspiring young athletes who think they have what it takes to play professional basketball in Canada are currently taking part in the Pre-Draft Training Program. There, players learn strength and conditioning methods from experts and specialists with years of experience working with professional athletes.

Both days of the NBLC Combine, August 17 and 18, will feature five hours of live gameplay, two hours of skill evaluation, player measurements and registration, an on-site lunch and a private GM/Owner/Coaching viewing area. After the combine, nominated players and NBLC personnel will gather at the GTA Centre in Markham (8500 Warden Avenue) the following night for the 2013 Draft, where new dreams will be realized.

“We are excited to announce the GTA Centre as the presenting sponsor of the 2013 NBLC Draft,” said Andre Levingston, President and CEO, National Basketball League of Canada “The GTA Centre has been an incredibly supportive partner of the NBLC, we hope to build on this partnership and one day see an NBLC team playing in a new, world-class arena here in Markham.”

Athletes are encouraged to bring their families and friends to the 2013 NBLC Draft and for the first time in League history, the draft has been opened to the public. If you are a Canadian basketball fan and would like to witness history, join the NBL of Canada in Markham at 7 p.m. (ET) on Monday August 19 free of charge. The draft will also be streamed live on the NBL’s website.

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