Revisiting some old friends: Mid-major NBA training camp roundup

NBA training camps are starting up, which means we’re revisiting some of our favorite players from years past.

Mid-major players are often overlooked in the draft process, but not by us. Here’s an update on a handful of players from mid-major schools on training camp rosters.

(Side-note: if they were a mid-major player at the time they played in college, but their school is now a high-major (i.e. Gordon Hayward or Kyle Korver), they are not included).

This is split up by obviously making the team, bubble players and the under-the-radar prospects. Got it?

Good.

Obviously Making the Team

Golden State Warriors PG Steph Curry (Davidson)

You know who he is. You know how he is doing. Next.

Brooklyn Nets PG Jeremy Lin (Harvard)

Jeremy Lin had all the injuries last season and it cost him 48 games. He will still be a Net post-training camp, since he will be one of the few veterans on Brooklyn's roster. He will probably lose his starting role to recently-acquired guard D'angelo Russell.

New York Knicks SG Courtney Lee (Western Kentucky)

Courtney Lee is a solid NBA player on a bad team. He’s going into his 10th NBA season and after averaging about 11 points per game a year ago, and will make the Knicks roster. The former Hilltopper may or may not start in the world's most famous arena, but he will be on the roster opening night.

Golden State Warriors C JaVale McGee (Nevada)

Coming up big in the NBA finals does help your job security. Filling in for an injured Zaza Pachulia in the playoffs, McGee played his best basketball. He re-signed with the defending champions this off-season.

Portland Trailblazers C Zach Collins (Gonzaga)

The Blazers traded for Collins after being selected 10th overall by the Kings in the most recent draft. Collins’ size and range will make him an easy fit for Terry Stotts' system. He scored only six points per game during the Summer League, but he should make the roster. After taking the Zags to their first ever national title game, this former Bulldog's future looks bright.

Bubble Players

New York Knicks SG Ramon Sessions (Nevada)

Ramon Sessions is in a similar situation as Courtney Lee, but he is not as good of a player. After averaging 6.2 points per game last season he could very well be cut. It depends on the direction the Knicks are going, and I do not expect him to make the roster after training camp.

Philadelphia 76ers SF Robert Covington (Tennessee St)

Covington had a solid 2016-17 season, averaging 12.9 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. The reason he falls under bubble players is that the Sixers keep drafting first overall. I wouldn't worry if I were a Tiger fan. He looks to be on the team as of right now, and should put up some numbers in Philly this year.

Toronto Raptors F Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga)

Kyle Wiltjer was a fan favorite in Spokane. But he has not played much in the NBA. Last season, in Houston, he only played in 14 games averaging less than a point per game. Most importantly, he is not on a two-way contract, so if he does not make the team he will be released, rather than being sent to the G-League.

Phoenix Suns PF Anthony Bennett (UNLV)

The former No. 1 overall pick hasn't lived up to expectations since leaving the Runnin' Rebels. With career scoring average of 4.4 per game, this may be his last year in the NBA.

New York Knicks C Kyle O'Quinn (Norfolk St)

O'Quinn was a member of the 2012 Norfolk State team that upset No. 2 seed Missouri in the NCAA tournament. So of course, we love him here. He averaged six points per game last season for the Knicks. He will be fighting for a spot, and the acquisition of Enes Kanter will not help.

Under-the-Radar

Brooklyn Nets SF Jacob Wiley (Eastern Washington)

Last year at EWU, Wiley put up fantastic numbers: 20.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.7 BPG. He proved he could play. The next best thing for Wiley is the Nets are the worst team in the NBA and he is on a two-way contract. He will see time in the NBA, but it should be after he spends time with the Long Island Nets.

LA Lakers PG Briante Weber (VCU)

Weber averaged 3.1 pionts per game a season ago, but his defensive prowess could afford him a spot. Despite what Lavar says, the Lakers are one of the worst teams in the league. He might very well make it on this year's Laker squad, without time spent on the G-League affiliate.

Phoenix Suns PF Alec Peters (Valparaiso)

Personally, my favorite mid-major player a year ago. His time at Valpo was historic, I don't need to get into it here. After a late season injury, it would be amazing if he made the team out of camp. He should start out the year in the G-League with the Northern Arizona Suns.