Steve Nash went thru it and so did Orlando's Jameer Nelson, both had to prove doubters wrong. Both turned negative energy into productive NBA careers and in the process got the last laugh.  For those who play the game of basketball and aspire to reach the highest level of competition and didn't win the genetic lottery, you have work to do.  For former Herndon High School star Scottie Reynolds, he has a lot of work to do too but it's not the skill of the man, its the will of the man that counts. 

 Reynolds was invited to the Phoenix Suns camp last week and while it's no guarantee of a  roster spot, he'll at least be auditioning for other teams.  For Scottie, this could be his shot to prove he belongs.

Scottie Reynolds has been one of the most productive college players in the country the last four years and in the process  has helped propel Villanova into one of the elite college programs nationwide.  A blazing freshman campaign set the stage for what has been a stellar career, albeit short of a championship but very productive just the same.  As is with all college players who experience breakout seasons, rumors of NBA potential suddenly start to appear.  If there was any chance of Reynolds becoming at least as a first round selection it probably would have been after his freshman year but physically he wasn't ready and in hindset it was a smart move to stay in school  You saw many players in this years draft make the jump when their stock was its highest because to a large extent draft potential is just that, potential.

Sad to say that if you last four years in college basketball today you probably aren't good enough to make the league or at least good enough to make an impact. Reynolds did stay four years and went undrafted but his book is still unfinished.  A well connected NBA insider who broke down Reynold's game said "Scottie could still prove people wrong. He's not a true point guard but he's a tough kid, elusive, not particularly athletic. He's crafty and I think he could make a roster.  NBA summer league is basically window dressing. They're no guarantees for anyone make a team come the fall.  In Scottie's case, his problems are two fold, will he be able to shoot over big athletic guards in the league and can he defend them?  He also needs to work on his release point on his jumpshot and he has to defend better, we"ll see."

Taking into account Scottie's background, one would want to see his NBA dream get a Hollywood ending and it still can.  If his NBA dream doesn't materialize on schedule, he can take into account a four year degree at a good school and earn a decent income playing overseas.

If Scottie does make a roster this fall and parlays that into a five, seven or ten year career it certainly won't be a surprise to anyone who has followed him.

The Dime Piece is a weekly column devoted to all things basketball.

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