Marcus Posley brings a mature game to the D-League
The concept of choice can be quite fleeting. Often it feels as though people go through the motions and let the world dictate their reality. Then there are others who choose to be great. They choose their own destiny almost as if they are reading their life story in a choose-your-own adventure book. Marcus Posley turned the page and there were two options — go to page 44: an overseas career, or go to page 22: a NBA D-League opportunity.
Posley is on page 22 and he’s waiting to hear his name called on October 30th in the D-League Draft. While he had overseas offers — all of which paid more than an NBADL salary — he chose to stay close to home; close to the NBA. The 22-year-old combo guard knows he can play at the highest level and now is the time to push all-in and show his cards.
His path to this point has not been standard, but few are. Posley’s college career culminated with his graduation from St. Bonaventure University, where he played his last two collegiate seasons and was an offensive machine.
Last season as a senior, Posley finished Second Team All-Conference after posting averages of 19.7 points, 3.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds for the Bonnies. Posley talked to The Step Back about the journey saying, “I didn’t have the freshman season I wanted at Ball State and then coach was let go. I left and spent a year in junior college and thought I was going to end up at Marquette, but the coaching staff here at St. Bonaventure really sold me on my opportunities here. I was able to take all the advice I received from my coaches and apply that to my game daily. Now I’m in a position to play as a pro and I’m just thankful for my time there.”
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The way Marcus speaks about his past coaches makes it apparent that he’s a guy who gets it. A lot of players at this level have the talent and skill, but they are not able to put everything together to produce the best outcome for themselves. Marcus knows what it takes as he’s been through the ringer already and at the youthful age of 22-years-old it’s easy to see he has the drive and wherewithal to be successful.
The Bonnies failed to make the NCAA tournament in Posley’s senior year, but he enjoyed a breakout performance in March nonetheless. On March 2, his team squared off against St. Joseph’s in a pivotal game for their March Madness chances down the road. Marcus was otherworldly finishing with 47 points making 15-of-19 field goals, 6-of-7 from deep and knocking down 11-of-12 free throws. All told, he hoisted up 38 shots and only missed six. When asked about that game Posley shrugged off the importance, “Honestly it felt like any other game. The only difference was the points. I’m all about rising to the occasion, so for the most part I have the same mentality going into any game.”
The NCAA tournament has propelled many mid-major talents into the spotlight over the years, so of course missing out on that platform hurt Marcus’ pro chances. Instead of sulking, Posley put in the work over the summer, working out with multiple NBA teams, receiving invaluable feedback to improve upon his game. He was ultimately invited to the NBA D-League National Tryout back in August, where he performed well and caught the eye of many D-League executives.
Now, as the draft looms near, he perks up immediately when asked what people don’t know about his game. He begins with, “a lot of people don’t know I can play point guard. I was asked to score a lot in college, so I did what my team needed for us to be successful, but I’m a combo guard. I can control tempo and I really know I can thrive at the point guard position.”
Sunday is a monumental day for Marcus Posley. While that may seem like hyperbole, it’s the truth. This is the genesis of his professional career and the D-League Draft is the launchpad toward the real goal — the NBA. There won’t be bright lights. No cameras. No media frenzies. Just a Sunday afternoon, with the same anticipation of hearing his name called.
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His parting message to the basketball world, was this, “I’m a guy any team can lean on. I thrive on pressure, I like pressure. Ultimately, I’ll do whatever it takes to win and I’m ready.”
If the past is any indication of what’s to come, get ready because Marcus Posley is coming and he refuses to be denied.