Inside a $200 G League tryout, where 140 players took their shot - ESPN

«AIN'T NO WAY,» I muttered to myself. If the social media post on my timeline was to be believed, everybody and their cousin could try out for the G League.

The real kicker? It would only cost them $200.

That realization sparked a question: How hard is it to actually make the NBA's G League?

When I posed the question to my editors, they hit me with a challenge: Why don't you find out?

An idea was unlocked. I would participate in an open tryout for the G League. I was up for the challenge. After all, it wouldn't be the first time I took part in this type of experiential journalism. (Last October, I took a trip to Diamond Gym to put my mental and physical endurance to the test by working out at the «Most Dangerous Gym in America»). The assignment would also allow me to tap into a childhood dream.

The game is something that has always been in my DNA. My grandfather ran recreational centers around Kansas City, Kansas. He held winter and summer leagues that I started playing in at the age of 5. Summers consisted of playing in AAU tournaments against some of the nation's top programs with ranked talent like three-time Nike Peach Jam champion MOKAN Elite and KC Run GMC, while winters were for high school basketball. But once high school was over and scholarships for other opportunities outside of basketball poured in, my hoop dreams ended. I would still play in adult leagues (and toast my competition), but if I wanted to be pro-ready, I needed pro advice.

My uncle Earl Watson, a retired 13-season NBA veteran and former NBA head coach, was the person I called for coaching advice on what they might look for in a prospect.

«They want who wants it most and plays the game with respect,» Watson said.

Watson saw firsthand where a paid