Purely from a basketball standpoint, the numbers speak for themselves on what Tre Kelley can do on the court. He is still driven to one day take the court in the NBA.

Kelley’s fingerprints are still evident from his collegiate days. First, at South Carolina he still ranks on the all-time lists of points (#9) and assists (#3). Kelley was also named the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winner as the best player in the country six feet tall or shorter. Notable past honorees include Muggsy Bogues, Tim Hardaway, Earl Boykins, Jameer Nelson, Nate Robinson, and Darren Collison.

As Kelley approaches his eighth professional season, his resume has international stops in Croatia, Greece, Israel, China, Lebanon, Belgium and Puerto Rico. No stranger to the NBADL, Kelley has logged parts of three seasons with the Austin Toros (now known as the Spurs) before being traded to Sioux Falls for South Dakota graduate Charlie Westbrook in January of 2014.

Over 34 regular season games Kelley was the leading scorer in nine plus nine other contests where he topped the team in assists. The pinnacle being back-to-back three point baskets in overtime to rally the Skyforce over Tulsa in the last day of the season.

After three more stops in Venezuela, Italy and Turkey between April 2014 until an invitation to Miami Heat camp in October 2015 puts Kelley back in a Skyforce uniform as a returning player. Leaving impressions and relentless preparation will be the key to obtaining that dream. “I have a great desire to play in the NBA. I think I’ve shown on the court that I’m capable. It will take doing the right things on and off the court to get it done. Everything I do revolves around the game while being prepared for that opportunity. I want to build upon what I did in Miami and work hard every single day. I have an important role of being this team’s leader as point guard. That’s all going to help.”

Kelley will have a bit of a head start in working with some of the guys while in Miami during the preseason as Keith Benson, Corey Hawkins, and Greg Whittington were also in South Beach. Plus Kelley sees a continuation of the Heat principles from both camp and when he was last in Sioux Falls. “We basically emulate the Miami Heat. Everything starts from the defensive end and offensively get out and run.” Let’s also mention that having a defender like DeAndre Liggins and his knowledge of the system should reap some benefits.

Sioux Falls will have a passionate leader to guide them into battle on November 14. Tre Kelley will be ready.

 

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