Mason Basketball Star Cam Long's Pro Prospects

Like many a kid that grew up with the love of basketball, Cam Long grew up fantasizing about playing in the NBA one day. Unlike nearly all of the other day dreamers, the opportunity for the former George Mason star to make that vision a reality is close.  Nerve rackingly so.

Since the Patriots season ended back in March during the NCAA Tournament, Long has been preparing his physical and mental game for the pro ranks. The combo guard with long arms and a scoring knack has been working out – on his own and Tuesday for the Washington Wizards – with the intention of giving himself the best opportunity to hear his name called during Thursday’s NBA Draft.

Well, based on his draft day plans, he might not actually hear his name on the television broadcast during the two-round draft.

“I think I’m not going to pay attention. I’ll probably go back home, go to the beaches, sit out in the sun and just relax,” the east coast Florida native said. “Hopefully on Thursday I’ll get a text message or a phone call saying ‘Cam congratulations.’

It could happen – some project it will – but the opportunity remains surreal to Long all the same.

“I’ve always had that belief I could make it, said Long moments after being put through the paces by the Wizards coaching staff. “I always had that dream growing up. It’s just so weird to actually being here now.”

“As a kid you always wanted to play on an AAU team. As an AAU player, you always want to play on a great high school then college team. Now that I’m done college and going to the NBA – well, I’m going to have a chance to go to the NBA, I’m a little anxious right now.”

Understandable.

Despite leading the CAA regular season champions with 15.3 points per game, proving he belongs on the next level remains a challenge. In the era of the one-and-done player, four-year guys like Long often get ignored compared to the shiny new objects. That doesn’t mean his time won’t come, just might not be now.

“I think Cam Long potentially down the road can be a [NBA] guy,” an NBA scout said told Patch on Tuesday. “He’s got a good body, he’s got good size, has got some length to him. He needs to improve his handle a little bit.”

That final point refers to what Long has been told by teams directly; At 6-3, his NBA position will be point guard. That’s a role he played in spurts with the Patriots, but Long will need to improve on his dribbling and vocal leadership to truly emerge into a pro lead guard.

“[Teams] feel like at the NBA level at my height, I’ll have to play the one,” Long said. “They want me to be able to talk and direct other players, see how they respond to me. If they respond well to me, I’ve got a great chance.”

That’s why his time this off-season at the District’s Boys and Girls club has been spent honing his ball-handling skills, getting comfortable with the demands of the semi-new position.

“I shoot the ball very well, I can handle the ball, but at a point guard level…I didn’t keep the ball in my hands as much as I should of [at Mason],” Long said. “I know the ball is going to be in my hands a lot more at the next level.”

Right now Long’s future is in the hands of the NBA executives, at least for next few days. The draft is not Long’s only potential path in terms of reaching the world’s highest professional league, but it is the most immediate. The likelihood of labor dispute complicates matters. At this point, all undrafted players will be in limbo land, which could force Long’s hand and have him playing in a foreign land.

“I really hope I get drafted. But if I don’t, I’m not going to put my head down,” Long said. “I’ll keep my head high and take my skills over the waters. Hopefully I can be successful and maybe come back. If not, I’ll stay over there and continue to be successful

Long is not shy about his professional intentions, but realistic with what could transpire. The ultimate NBA dream may come true, maybe not, but the goal of playing basketball as a grown up is about to happen.