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Frank Elegar, a former Drexel basketball player, is hoping to continue on his path toward the NBA. In five games in the summer league with the Wizards, Elegar averaged just 4.0 ppg and 2.2 rpg, but shot an astonishing 70 percent.

Could Elegar be NBA bound?

By: Mike Mazzeo

Posted: 7/25/08

What was Frank Elegar's biggest hurdle at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas? How about adjusting to Pacific Standard Time?

But while Elegar never seemed to get truly acclimated to waking up at what he thought was the crack of dawn every morning, one thing he did get accustomed to was life as an unknown, up-and-comer trying to make a name for himself in front of scouts, general managers and the competition.

"It always helps when guys come in the game sleeping on you, and then you do something unexpected and earn some type of respect," Elegar said. "I've been under the radar my whole life so I'm used to it."

From being a role player and averaging just six points and six rebounds at St. Raymond's High School in the Bronx, N.Y.; to not being heavily recruited; to having a very raw overall game and finally coming from a mid-major program like Drexel, Elegar has been proving those who doubted his ability wrong with regularity.

And although he goes about his business with a rather quiet confidence, it didn't take Elegar very long to earn a name for himself and the respect from those around him.

In his first game as a member of the Washington Wizards summer league team on July 14 at Cox Pavilion against the Portland Trailblazers, Elegar poured in 10 points, including eight straight to start the second quarter, and grabbed four rebounds in just over 15 minutes of action.

The 21-year-old, an undersized power forward by NBA standards, went on to average four points and 2.2 rebounds during the five-game schedule.

He shot an astoundingly proficient 70 percent from the field including a 4-for-4 effort in his final summer league game July 20 versus the Phoenix Suns, but converted on just 50 percent of his free throws. But in spite of his relatively successful summer stint, Elegar believes he still has a long way to go to get to where he wants to be.

"I feel I need improvement everywhere," he said. "You can never be satisfied with where you are at."

It was that attitude that may have endeared Elegar with his "veteran" teammates like Nick Young and Andray Blatche, who not only helped him become more comfortable in his unfamiliar surroundings, but also allowed him to pick their brains on what NBA life is really like.

"Playing with the vets on the team gave me a taste of what NBA life is like," Elegar said. "They helped me out whenever I had questions and made me feel comfortable to be on the court with them."

The experience proved to be a valuable one for Elegar, and he was very thankful for the opportunity the Wizards' organization gave him to showcase his ability.

"I appreciate [the chance the Wizards gave me] a lot," Elegar said. "They saw something in me that was good enough for the team to benefit out there so I'm very grateful. It also opens up more doors for me if things don't work out. It's just a matter of making the best of your situations."

Now, finally back on the east coast, his focus will shift toward the next phase: signing his first professional basketball contract.

"I have to take some time when the jet lag is finally gone to talk to my agent about what's to come in the future," he said.

But given his past, don't be surprised if Elegar defies the odds once again, navigates a training camp and makes an NBA roster.