Detroit Pistons affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, are rolling out the welcome mat once more, inviting dreamers to pay $250 for a shot at G League glory on September 13. Just don’t expect a smooth ride.
Last year’s open tryouts produced a viral highlight reel that looked less like a professional evaluation and more like open-gym chaos at the YMCA after free pizza night.
Footage from the 2025 sessions captured pure basketball anarchy. The undisputed star was a large gentleman in red shorts who spent the afternoon huffing and puffing from baseline to baseline, his shorts staging a near-constant escape attempt.
Fundamentals were optional. One participant took a finger to the eye. The lone bright spot arrived when a player in a blue shirt and black shorts launched a legitimately long three that actually went in.
Undeterred by the comedy, the Pistons’ affiliate is hosting another one-day tryout at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center from noon to 5:00 p.m. Participants will run NBA-style drills and scrimmages in front of team personnel, competing for one of up to three training-camp invitations allowed under league rules.
In exchange for the non-refundable fee, hopefuls receive a reversible jersey and two tickets to a Cruise home game.
The process has worked before. Detroit native John Ukomadu turned a previous open tryout into a full season and later won the G League Slam Dunk Contest. Other long shots have also earned roster spots.
Hope, it seems, springs eternal in Motor City. Just maybe leave the red shorts at home this time.
