Open Tryouts Bring Opportunity to DMV Hoopers

“DC is an amazing city, and the Go-Go are an amazing G League organization, and I’m just blessed to have an opportunity to compete.” Daniel Gidden’s reflection on his experience participating in the Go-Go's open tryouts echos what many in attendance were feeling.  

The Capital City Go-Go held open tryouts on September 30^th and October 7^th, opening the opportunity for over 30 athletes to try and earn a spot on the training camp roster.  

“Open tryouts are really an opportunity for anybody with aspirations of playing professional basketball to come and spend a day with us, go through some player development activities, play five on five games, and try to prove to us that you should be invited to training camp” explained first year head coach Cody Topper.  

Participants varied in experience, some had stints in the G league or overseas play, while others played at various levels in college. But one thing was clear – they brought the energy and talent.  

Coach Toppert was impressed with the showing, “We saw a high energy group...we saw a group of guys who brought a level of intangibles. That’s really what you’re looking for. And that’s what’s going to make our decision making process really difficult...I think this group not only showed they can play basketball, but showed that they have the mental makeup to be a part of the team.” 

Tryouts consist of a round of high-level drills, followed by scrimmages that help the coaching staff assess how quickly players can pick up on the offensive systems and style of play. Throughout the day, the staff could be seen walking around the arena, taking notes and chatting with participants to get a better understanding of the roles that could be filled.  

Participants like Sam Cunliffe looked to take advantage of the opportunity as much as they could, “I played in the G League before, so I kind of know what it’s like to be at this level, but just trying to get back into it, it’s been really awesome. This is obviously a beautiful arena full of great energy. I love the coaching staff and overall it’s been a good opportunity. Just trying to stay present, soak it all in.” 

Go-Go GM Amber Nichols believes this opportunity doesn’t only benefit the Go-Go, but also the participants themselves. “First and foremost, I hope that they understand that the Go-Go do things at a high level. I hope they feel like they got better at something throughout the course of the tryouts. We’re really intentional about player development, and I hope they got a good glimpse of that.”  

A unique part of open tryouts is the opportunity it opens up for local athletes to try out for their home team. Brian Bridgeforth grew up down the street from Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast DC and was excited about the opportunity to represent the talent the DMV has. “Me coming from Southeast DC and just being here today is a blessing. I was so happy when they first moved this facility right here in Southeast. I’m excited that I’m here and I got a chance to at least tryout to play for [the Go-Go].”  

Bridgeforth, Coach Topper and GM Nichols can all agree on one thing, DMV hoopers are special because of their passion for the game. “All of the players here that I’ve seen over my time usually have a grit and toughness about them that stands out. They’re super competitive, but they’re also really prideful about where they come from,” explains GM Nichols.  

Coach Topper has experience coaching athletes from the DC area on both the collegiate and pro levels, but after two days of open tryouts the hometown hoopers had left an impression. “I definitely  already had a lot of respect for the DMV from a basketball perspective, and that only grew today.”  

Open tryouts are an essential part of the Go-Go's process in putting together a team each season, and creating an opportunity for many to chase their dreams and work towards their goals. As participant Alex Hunter explained, “Everybody’s goal is to try to make it as far as they can in their basketball career. So having this opportunity to come play with a high-level group of guys and join the Go-Go is a dream come true.”