GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- There are 17 players on the inaugural Grand Rapids Drive roster.
Only one of them calls the city home.
Former Creston High School and Ferris State University star Jerrell Sanders was taken by the Detroit Pistons' D-League affiliate with the fifth pick of the sixth round in Saturday's NBDL Draft -- the team's final selection.
While there are nerves to make the Drive's final 12-man roster, Sanders couldn't be in a better environment to succeed.
"Growing up here and having ties to the city, I'm kind of at ease," the 6-foot-6 forward says. "I'm at home. Comfortable, but not content with how far I've made it so far."
"I think everybody's goal is to get called up," Sanders says. "That's the top choice, but right now I'm focused on just making the final roster and making my name known with the coaching staff -- that Jerrell Sanders is here to stay."
The Grand Rapids Drive open their first season on November 15 at Bakersfield. Their home opener at the DeltaPlex is on November 26 against Los Angeles.
