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Butler Basketball: Two Bulldogs playing in the 2017 NBA Summer League

By Lukas Harkins

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 21: Roosevelt Jones #21 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates with teammate Kellen Dunham #24 (C) and Kameron Woods #31 in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 21: Roosevelt Jones #21 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates with teammate Kellen Dunham #24 (C) and Kameron Woods #31 in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the third round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Consol Energy Center on March 21, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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After graduating a couple of seasons ago, former Butler basketball guards Kellen Dunham and Roosevelt Jones are competing in the 2017 NBA Summer League.

The NBA Summer League features tons of talent from around the globe, full of players trying to reach new heights and the greatest basketball league currently in the world. For two former Butler Bulldogs, they are getting their chance to show their skills to the NBA scouts and teams over the next couple of weeks. The goal is that they can surprise everybody in the building for each of their games and find a way onto an NBA roster. The odds may be against them, but anything is possible.

Both Kellen Dunham and Roosevelt Jones had outstanding careers with Butler, playing together and graduating after the 2016 college basketball season. As they get their Summer League seasons underway, let’s take a brief look at their college careers and where they are spending their offseason.

Roosevelt Jones, Cleveland Cavaliers

Collegiate career: Jones played for Butler from 2011-12 to 2015-16, becoming known as a player who can pretty much do it all. Although never a three-point shooter, Jones always seemed to find a way to get to the basket and finish around the rim. Jones played a variety of positions for the Dawgs and was spectacular in his career, especially as a senior. In his final season, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His all-around game was extremely valuable to the Dawgs as he left a great legacy.

Since Butler: Roosevelt Jones played for the Canton Charge this past season and was very effective. He started 35 of the 46 games that he played in, averaging 27.5 minutes per game. He hovered around 50% from the floor and averaged a solid 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Play so far in the Summer League: Cavaliers have not begin play.

Kellen Dunham, Orlando Magic

Collegiate career: Dunham played for Butler from 2012-13 to 2015-16 and went down in school history as one of the best scorers ever. After averaging 9.5 points per game as a freshman, Dunham exploded for 16 per game in each of his last three seasons. In his four years at Butler, he was 299-for-776 from three (38.5%) and a very solid 84.0% from the free throw line. He made his mark on campus as a prolific shooter and Downpour Dunham is unlikely to be forgotten soon.

Since Butler: Last season, Dunham participated in the Summer League for the Memphis Grizzlies, but was unable to make the NBA roster. He spent the past season playing in the D-League for the Iowa Energy. He played in 35 games (starting 16) for the Energy while shooting 36.6% from three and averaging 4.9 points per game in 17.0 minutes.

Play so far in the Summer League: DNP – Coach’s decision in all three Magic games so far. The season is not yet over, but it does not look like Dunham will get much, if any, playing time during the Summer League. He will likely return to the G-League to become a more consistent scorer at the NBA level. His 6’4″ frame is reasonable for the shooting guard position and he will hopefully notch a roster spot soon.

Next: What to expect from Butler's 2017 recruiting class

Making it in the NBA is no easy feat, but as shown by other Butler players and coaches, most notably Brad Stevens and Gordon Hayward, it can be done. With three-point shooting and incredible effort plays, maybe these two Bulldogs can find a way to get things done. This Summer League will be an interesting test for them as they look to take the next step in their NBA careers.