Former Chipola Indian Performs for NBA Executives

June 5, 2008
By: Clint Cox

The NBA Pre-Draft Camp kicked off yesterday outside of Orlando, Florida at Disney’s World Wide of Sports Complex. Every NBA team was in attendance, including a number of very high-profile faces, such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Chris Mullin, Scott Skiles, Patrick Ewing, and Steve Kerr just to know a few.
This is basketball’s version of a meat market – drills and scrimmages being conducted on three courts chaotically at the same time with 65 players of all shapes, colors, and sizes, differentiated by numbers, only trying to stand out in any way possible.
Former Chipola Indian and D-League product Mike Taylor, a 6’2 combo guard with freakish athleticism and terrific scoring instincts, stood out after the first day leading all individuals in scoring with 17 points in the first game. Taylor was able to get to the basket at will, made several nice plays by pulling up from mid-range, finished with a nifty floater, and hit one of his signature 3 pointer (something scouts will be scrutinizing closely). According to those in attendance, Taylor clearly looks like an undersized shooting guard, but might just have the physical tools, scoring ability and overall ability to overcome that and turn into a point guard.
Coach Greg Heiar, who was also in attendance said, "I’m very proud of how hard Mike has worked, his determination and will to never give up. It has finally paid off for him. He has learned from his mistakes and it’s great to watch him performing so well here at the NBA Draft Camp in Orlando. "
Mike Taylor is the second Chipola player in five years to be invited to the invitational-only NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, Florida. Mario Boggan was the first.