RedHawks star trying to land spot in NBA

Bramos is given multiple tryouts; plans to play in NBA summer league.

Michael Bramos (24) of Miami goes up for a shot and gets fouled by Milwaukee's James Eayers (55) during a game at Millet Hall on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.

Contributed photo by Robert Leifheit Michael Bramos (24) of Miami goes up for a shot and gets fouled by Milwaukee's James Eayers (55) during a game at Millet Hall on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 1:03 AM Thursday, June 25, 2009

OXFORD — He spent several weeks working out in Las Vegas. He auditioned for several NBA teams. Now all Michael Bramos can do is wait at home in Harper Woods, Mich., where he will watch the NBA draft today, June 25. The 6-foot-5 forward-guard from Miami University doesn’t expect much to happen. Not yet, at least.

“I’d say there is a small, small chance I’ll be drafted,” Bramos said. “Right now, I’m looking at playing in the summer league in Las Vegas. That’s probably the next stop. I’ll probably pick up with a team after the draft. There are 21 teams in Las Vegas. From what I’ve heard, I should be on a team out there. It’s like another tryout.”

Bramos has worked out for the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls and Portland Trail Blazers.

“Usually you go through some tests — agility, speed, that sort of stuff — and they see your basketball skills,” Bramos said. “There are usually six guys at each workout, and they have you go 1-on-1, 2-on-2 and 3-on-3. It usually lasts an hour, an hour and a half.”

“I don’t know how he did at Portland,” Miami coach Charlie Coles said, “but I know that at Detroit, Milwaukee and Chicago, he did very well. At Chicago, they were excited about him. I heard he had a magnificent workout.”

Bramos, who said he has trained in Las Vegas since graduation day at Miami, said if he is not drafted, he will face a decision following his participation in the summer league.

One option would be to play in Europe, probably in Spain, Italy or Greece. But if Bramos stays in the U.S., tries out for an NBA team as a free agent and doesn’t make the final cut, it could make it more difficult for him to sign a good contract in Europe.

Bramos, the 2009 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, was asked which of his qualities might make him an attractive prospect in the NBA.

“I think my 3-point shooting, and I can be a good defender,” he said. “And I can be an energy-type person they can bring off the bench.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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