MTSU Basketball: Where will former Blue Raiders play in the 2017 NBA Summer League?

Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders forward JaCorey Williams (22) reacts during the first half of the game in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Butler Bulldogs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Two MTSU players will participate in the 2017 NBA Summer League, both in Vegas. Better yet, both shave a legitimate shot at making it at the next level.

The Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders have been the Cinderella team for the entirety of college basketball over the last few seasons, making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament twice.

Their wins came over then-top Big Ten schools like the Michigan State Spartans and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and the fun-to-watch mid-major out of Conference USA continues to raise expectations for a conference thought by many to be less-than-average.

While I would argue that Conference USA is a bit more competitive than most people believe, the Blue Raiders are not going to go away anytime soon despite losing several key players heading into next season.

Both JaCorey Williams and Reggie Upshaw went undrafted, as expected, but both have a legitimate shot at either making an opening day NBA roster or heading to the G-League. We will get to see them play before then, however, as both will compete in the 2017 NBA Summer League in Vegas.

JaCorey Williams – Golden State Warriors

After averaging 17.3 points per game along with 7.3 rebounds per game last season with the Blue Raiders, Williams is everything that the Warriors need and more in a bench player. His height and size will help him fit right in with a team that is desperate for cheap, scoring bench options.

While many will see the Vegas Summer League as a tryout for Williams, he is basically their second draft pick after they bought Jordan Bell. Mark my words – JaCorey Williams will make the Golden State Warriors’ roster.

Reggie Upshaw – Milwaukee Bucks

Like Williams, Upshaw will participate in the Vegas Summer League. Unlike Williams, however, Upshaw faces a much tougher battle when it comes to making the Bucks’ roster. The Bucks boast several talented big men and, although Upshaw is extremely talented, he doesn’t have the upside that they do.

That being said, the 6-8, 230-pound guard will end up finding a home somewhere in the NBA eventually. He may have to start in the G-League, but his talent and versatility are going to be coveted.

Next: Lakers snag undrafted South Carolina star

MTSU boasts two of the top undrafted players and both have a legitimate chance at a long successful NBA career.