As the pomp and circumstance of NBA Finals subsides, NBA players and pros alike are back in the lab to get a leg up on the upcoming season.
Whether it’s working out with high-profile trainers, playing high-level pickup ball, or joining an elite summer league, one can guarantee players at the highest level are in a gym nearby.
Enter Ground Zero Pro-AM
Since 2022, Ground Zero has brought history and lore back to an uber-rich basketball area of Raleigh, North Carolina also referred to as the Triangle, which comprises of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
The Triangle consists of the country’s most storied collegiate programs hailing from the ACC with Duke, UNC, and NC State — all within a matter of miles from each other.
Ground Zero aims to use this tradition to make its summer Pro-AM akin to the likes of the world famous Drew League, which has been in effect in Los Angeles for decades.
With notable current and former NBA players Trey Murphy (New Orleans Pelicans), John Wall, TJ Warren, and Moses Wright to name a few, gracing the Enloe High School courts over the years, Ground Zero looks to build upon that to continuously attract more high-level players to the league.
9-year NBA veteran TJ Warren has been a fixture at the Ground Zero Pro-AM. Warren is a native of Durham, NC. Photo courtesy of Ground Zero Pr0-AM.
Ball Exclusives spoke with Ground Zero founder Ray Masionet about the history and his excitement for year four:
What are you most excited about as the fourth year of the Ground Zero Pro-AM tips off?
What we’re most excited about for year four of Ground Zero is the community, seeing all the people, and watching players compete.
What makes the Triangle a draw for high-level pros and NBA players?
What makes the Triangle a draw for all basketball players is a combination of the history, tradition, atmosphere, and competition. One thing we can always guarantee is good basketball bump!
What would you say to current NBA players looking for a summer league to play in to prepare for the upcoming season?
What I would say to current NBA players looking for a summer league to play in is pull up!
Raleigh has a lot to offer, but more importantly, Ground Zero prides itself on being a men’s league. Players know when they step foot in this Pro-Am, they have to compete no matter if you play in the NBA, G-League, overseas, or college.
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What should we expect for this summer at Ground Zero?
What we should expect for this summer at Ground Zero is for us to continue to be better. We take pride in continuing to improve and making the Pro-AM the best it can be. We will keep doing the things that work well and make changes to the things that can improve.
Any surprise NBA players making an appearance?
If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise (winks).
The Ground Zero Pro-AM tips off this Tuesday, July 1st at 6:30 PM at Enloe Magnet High School. For any pros looking for some “good basketball bump” pull up to the Triangle’s best kept summer league secret.
Ball Exclusives is a proud sponsor of the Ground Zero Pro-AM.
