After not being selected in the NBA Draft this summer, Joe Krabbenhoft dedicated himself toward improving his game
"I worked out for a few teams after my college career and I thought that went pretty well," Krabbenhoft said. "They told me personally I got a few things to work on, become a knockdown shooter. They said you got the intangibles we're looking for, but there's a few things we want you to improve on."
Krabbenhoft gets the chance to work on his skill set right back where he started. As a member of the Skyforce, Krabbenhoft will play in front of hometown fans, while being just a phone call away from the NBA. And Skyforce coach Tony Fritz says, while still raw, Krabbenhoft definitely has the talent to be a professional.
"He just knows how to play," Fritz said. "He brings toughness and he doesn't complain. I mean, he just goes out, plays hard and does a lot of stuff that doesn't show up on a stat sheet, but wins you games. And that's the biggest thing I see him bringing."
And while he's more than thrilled about being among familiar faces and places, Krabbenhoft understands, if he wants a long career, he can't stay home for long.
"This is just a stepping stone," Krabbenhoft said. "I'm just lucky this gets to be my hometown for that stepping stone to the next level, or to my next job, whether that be overseas or in the NBA. And you know, being in my hometown, I think, is going to help me because I'm comfortable with my surroundings, people are behind me, and just feel comfortable."Krabbenhoft spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers summer league team this past July. He had nine points and eight rebounds in his Skyforce debut Friday, a win over Maine.
