Fifty-six basketball players from around the world showed up to the Brooklyn Nets’ practice facility in early December with the same goal: become a player in Basketball Africa League’s inaugural season that will begin in March 2020. Some players are entering fresh from their college hoops days, while others have had stints in the NBA, G League, and international leagues. For Chris Smith, a 32-year-old former NBA player and brother to veteran guard JR Smith, participating in BAL’s two-day scouting combine meant a shot at redemption. He wants another chance at the NBA.