Summer Plans Altered for TJ Madlock
Following the 2025 NBA draft, Alabama State guard TJ Madlock found his summer plans unexpectedly changed when he received a call offering him a spot to join the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League.
Transition to NBA Summer League
Instead of training for overseas professional basketball, Madlock took a flight to Detroit to participate in the Summer League in Las Vegas, scheduled from July 10-20. He represented one of only three players from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in this year’s league, alongside former Howard forward Steve Settle III, who played for Miami, and former Winston-Salem State guard Javonte Cooke.
Exhilaration and Determination
“I was thrilled when I learned I was on the roster,” Madlock shared with Andscape. “I was heading to a workout when my agent called and said, ‘We have a spot for you.’ From that moment on, I was motivated to push harder in my training.”
Performance Insights
Madlock, a versatile 6-foot-3 player who received All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) second-team honors, contributed to Alabama State’s end of a 14-year NCAA tournament drought. In two Summer League appearances, he averaged 6.0 points and shot 50% from the field, with his standout game on July 19 when he scored nine points in 15 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs.
Team Player Mentality
Madlock aims to showcase his skills to NBA teams, articulating, “I want to emphasize that I’m a team player. My focus is on making those around me better, rather than being selfish on the court.”
Lessons from His Father
Coached by his father, Hornets head coach Tony Madlock, T.J. absorbed valuable insights regarding basketball IQ and defensive prowess. Tony emphasized, “He’s a natural defender with great rebounding skills, but he needs to refine his shooting.”
Mindset and Goals
Madlock reflected on his mindset entering the Summer League, stating, “I aimed to be a supportive teammate and stay true to myself. The coaches instilled the importance of playing hard without being selfish. I felt ready to chase my dream.” He emphasized the necessity of working hard and staying prepared, especially for younger HBCU players aspiring to go pro.
