Corey Webster is doing his best to keep his feet on the ground and his eyes on the prize as he digests news that he will spend a few more weeks yet with the New Orleans Pelicans after receiving an invite to the NBA training camp at the end of this month.
Initially invited to the States to spend 3 or 4 days only with the club to impress coaching staff, the Tall Blacks combo guard has done just that, leading to an invite to attend the training camp from September 29 to October 2.
Webster was obviously delighted to have received the call that his stay would be a little longer.
“It was a good few days of workouts, nothing new or different, just the usual basketball stuff. Obviously it is a good environment with some good work put in and then on the last day I was approached and asked about training camp and that they (the coaches) would talk to the GM and organize to get it done.
“From there I went back to the hotel feeling pretty good about things and then got a call from my agent about his pending call to the GM, he called back soon after with news of a non-guaranteed multi-year deal.
“So for now it is an opportunity at training camp to prove myself and if I am still around after that to make the cut for the NBA roster. Obviously they have seen something they like, I am humbled and grateful that they have given me this opportunity.”
Webster has gone through a range of emotion since the call, but knows that he has work still to do in order to achieve his goal.
“When I first got the call, I couldn’t really believe it, it was a surreal moment, then as it sank in the realization was that I haven’t done anything, I have haven’t achieved anything yet apart from the Pelicans being interested.
“Now the hard work starts, to prove I can do it at the training camp, play at a high level. I need to show them I am hungry, focus every day and then at training camp show I can go up another level and be worthy of that contract.”
Webster has put himself into something of a cocoon as he pours 100% of himself into this shot at the NBA, but has found time to keep in touch with his SKYCITY Breakers and Tall Blacks coaches back home and has spoken with Tall Blacks assistant coach Ross McMains in the States about what he will face in the coming weeks and days.
“I have spoken to Dean (Vickerman) and to Paul (Henare) back home, but not to any of the players yet. This is all happening so quickly. What is great for me though right now is knowing I have the support of the club and that I came here with their blessing, they are proud of me and what I am trying to achieve.
“Obviously I wouldn’t be here without the support of the Breakers and Basketball New Zealand, Dean and Paul have been great and I am thankful for the support and the opportunities that I have had through them to this point and hope to continue to do them proud in the next few weeks.”
Webster certainly doesn’t feel out of his depth or nervous at all about his current situation.
“With the players it is not too much different, we have a professional environment and great culture at the Breakers so this is nothing too different in the way they go about things. The big difference is the facility here at the Pelicans, this is a big facility that is only two years old, top of the line stuff, walk through the doors and it is all here. But we do it pretty well at the Breakers so there is not too much difference in that regard.”
Webster plans to stay on in the States for the next two weeks and prepare for the training camp, all the while looking to build on the initial good impression with Pelicans coaching and management. Then come September 29 the kid from the North Shore of Auckland will be looking to show his stuff in the biggest few days of his career to date, with the prize a place in the NBA.
The Breakers meanwhile continue to send their best to Webster and keep in touch while at the same time giving him the space to focus on the opportunity at the Pelicans. Coach Vickerman is not moving yet on any talk of replacing Webster, preferring instead to take his time and wait for the outcome of the training camp on October 2nd. Webster’s contract is such that should things not work out in the States, he will return and take up his place in the roster for the upcoming ANBL campaign, with the first away game in Adelaide on October 7 and the first home game at Vector Arena on October 11.
Right now though, Webster has the support of the entire basketball community throughout New Zealand that he will return only to pack a few bags and that he may yet join Steven Adams in playing in the best league in the world.
