You won’t want to miss the return of one of the best Summer Basketball Pro-Ams in the state. Beginning June 28th the legendary SPDL (Sacramento Player Development League)  returns to the Sacramento area bringing some of the biggest names in the Sacramento area. This year's SPDL will feature Sacramento legends Cody Demps, Mikhael McKinney, Dakarai Allen, Darin Johnson, Noah Blackwell, Malik Pope, and former Sacramento King and current Los Angeles Lakers guard Ben Mclemore. The SPDL will feature some of the most recognizable basketball names in Sacramento history, showtime highlights, and memorable performances from multiple players throughout the Pro-Am

Players to watch at the SPDL:

Cody Demps - Cody attended Pleasant Grove High School and would go on to play at Sacramento State. At Sacramento State Demps averaged 9.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, and 3.2 apg preparing  him for a role in the NBA’s G-League. Demps signed a 10-day contract for the Sacramento Kings and recently played for the G-league Ignite avergaiung 5.5 ppg during the season.

Mikhael McKinney - Mikhael McKinney is another Sacramento State alumni to watch during the four-day league. McKinney, who attended Washington High School in Fremont averaged 21.9 ppg in his senior season. At Sacramento State Mckinney became the first player to be named conference player of the year and an honorable mention All-American. Mckinney currently plays for the Macau Black Bears of the ASEAN Basketball League.

Dakarai Allen - Sacramento native Dakarai Allen who graduated from Sheldon in 2013 became a four-star recruit that would later commit to San Diego State. Allen helped lead Sheldon to huge victories during his time there. At San Diego State Allen went from a bench player to Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.

Darin Johnson - Darin Johnson is another Sheldon legend who played alongside Dakari Allen, but as a four-star recruit he chose the University of Washington for college. Johnson played two years at Washington and then transferred to Cal State Northridge. After college Johnson was drafted with the 12th pick in the G-league draft by the Delaware 87ers. After playing with the 87ers Johnson signed with Rayos de Hermosillo in Mexico for the 2019 CIBACOPA season. Johnson currently plays for Maree Basketball Club of the Irish Super League earning All-Star third team honors.

Noah Blackwell - Star guard from Roseville High Noah Blsckwell will also be a part of the SPDL. Blackwell was a three-star recruit out of high school who committed to Long Beach State. After two seasons at LBSU Blackwell transferred to Fresno State where he saw improvement. Blackwell finished his college career averaging 7.8 ppg. Blackwell will look to show out after finishing his college career.

Malik Pope - The five-star recruit who went to school in Sacramento, Malik Pope will be playing in the SPDL this summer. Pope was ranked fifth in the state in high school by ESPN and later attended San Diego State. At San Diego State Pope averaged 8.9 ppg over his four years, increasing his ppg every year of his college career. After going undrafted in 2018 Pope joined the Los Angeles Lakers during the summer league, signed with the Greek team PACK, signed with the Greensboro Swarm, in August,2019 he signed with the Rostock Seawolves of the German ProA league, and most recently played in two games for the Austin Spurs.

Cam Oliver - The former Grant Union star and now Houston Rocket is a high flying forward that is guaranteed to put on an dunk fest this summer. Cam has had stints with the NBA G-League and Australia before signing he guaranteed contract with the Rockets this past season. 

Ben Mclemore - Known for his outstanding jumpshot and insane athleticism coming out of Kansas, Ben Mclemore was drafted by the Sacramento Kings. During his time in Sacramento Mclemore was influential in the community going to different schools in the area and meeting some of their basketball players Mclemore was also a part of a memorable Pizza Guys commercial. Since leaving the Kings Mclemore has grown into a key role player for playoff teams like the Rockets and Lakers. Mclemore in the past has had multiple high scoring performances in the SPDL and this season will be no different for him.

This year's SPDL will once again be played at Capital Christian High School Monday-Thursday with games at 6:30 and 7:30 each night. Adults will be charged $10 at the door and kids under the age of 12 are free. Make sure to go out and watch elite basketball in the Sacramento area from June 28-July 1.