On Friday, the G League Ignite tipped off their second season after a successful inaugural campaign that saw three players get drafted into the NBA.
Gone are players like Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Isaiah Todd as the next wave of prospects joined the team over the offseason. The Ignite this season are headlined by Jaden Hardy, Dyson Daniels, Michael Foster Jr., Fanbo Zeng and MarJon Beauchamp among others.
Beauchamp, a former four-star recruit from Yakima Valley College, produced a team-high 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals to lead the Ignite during the 98-87 loss to the Iowa Wolves. He finished by converting on 7-of-14 shot attempts from the field in 27 minutes of work.
Afterward, Beauchamp said his first game was a lot faster than in college.
It was a lot more quicker just coming from college. The dudes are stronger. It’s a lot of up and down. The court is longer so it was a big impression (coming) into a new environment.
The Ignite trailed 65-34 at halftime, and appeared to be headed toward a lopsided loss. However, they outscored the Wolves by 20 points in the second to close the gap but were unable to get closer than six points in the fourth quarter.
Hardy finished with 12 points, while Foster had eight points and 13 rebounds and Daniels added three points and two assists.
The stated goal of the Ignite is to provide development opportunities for those prospects looking to play professionally. The team focuses more on the development of the players, and not necessarily on the outcome of games as they do not play a full schedule like other teams.
The opportunity to play against some of the other top prospects will give each player a great chance to develop and further learn the game. Beauchamp believes the group is getting better each day.
Every day, we’re battling. I’m battling with great players and just try to guard the best player like Jaden Hardy to get me better. We’re getting better each day. The second half of today just shows we can be good this year.
After debuting on Friday, the Ignite return to action on Sunday against the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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