Samuels gets second shot at NBA

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's forward Samardo Samuels has been added by the Chicago Bulls to their roster for the upcoming Summer League competition, which begins next Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Samuels, who was not picked up by a franchise in this year's National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, now gets another opportunity to secure a contract with the Bulls next season if he can impress their coaches during the Summer League.

Samuels, who also plays centre, averaged 15 points and seven rebounds for University Louisville last season.

However, if the 21-year-old fails to secure a contract with the Bulls, he will then have the option of playing in the Development League, which is the league below the NBA.

Additionally, Samuels could ply his trade in the European or North American Leagues.

Meanwhile, Samuels' countryman, Jerome Jordan, is set to play his first Summer League game for the New York Knicks against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday in Las Vegas.

The seven-foot Jordan, who averaged 15 points, nine rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game for the University of Tulsa, was selected 44th overall in the Draft by the Bucks.

However, after being drafted by the Bucks, Jordan was then traded to the Knicks.

Jerome's father Brian, who accompanied his son to this year's NBA Draft, which was held at Madison Square Gardens last month, said Jerome is looking forward to Sunday's game.

"He (Jerome) feels good and his raring to go because he knows he has what it takes to make it at the highest level," said Brian Jordan.

He added that Jerome is also looking forward to the opportunity of playing for the Knicks in the NBA next season.

"New York is on the east coast and there is also the strong Caribbean community there and so I know that he will be able to do quite well there," the elder Jordan added.