TAKASAKI, GUNMA PREF. ¨C Far from the bright lights and frenzied crowds at state-of-the-art NBA arenas, Melvin Ely plies his craft with determination and dedication half a world away.
The Fresno State product, the 12th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, didn¡¯t (and doesn¡¯t) receive the recognition that many of his peers get. But he takes immense pride in doing his job the right way and for his longevity as a professional basketball player.
Now 36 years old, the 208-cm Gunma Crane Thunders center is focused on his the third-year franchise¡¯s current quest: advancing to the playoffs for the first time. Furthermore, Ely said, ¡°as long as they keep calling my name for jobs, I¡¯m coming. . . . I¡¯m still ready to play.¡±
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