D.J. White, Thunder
70-60 loss vs. Jazz
17 pts, 7-10 FG

Kevin Rogers, Celtics
92-79 win vs. Nets/Sixers
14 pts, 6-8 FG

Nick Fazekas, Celtics
92-79 win vs. Nets/Sixers
22 pts, 10-17 FG

Brian Chase, Magic
68-54 loss vs. Pacers
16 pts, 7-11 FG

Roy Hibbert, Pacers
68-54 win vs. Magic
16 pts, 7-13 FG

By Josh Cohen
Summer leagues are a perfect time for undraftees to prove they belong in the NBA. After 30 teams passed on them on draft night, these competitors want to show that each franchise made a mistake not selecting them.

Chris Lofton, for example, who beyond basketball has conquered many life challenges including a battle with testicular cancer, demonstrated at the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League that he was underestimated by scouts.

The former Tennessee standout finished the week scoring 15, 21 and 10 points, respectively, in his last three games for the Boston Celtics.

Some have started comparing Lofton to Celtics guard Eddie House because of his quick release and clutch shooting from 3-point range.

Byron Mullins, Thunder
70-60 loss vs. Jazz
2 pts, 0-7 FG

Terrence Williams, Nets/Sixers
92-79 loss vs. Celtics
8 pts, 3-11 FG

Maurice Ager, Magic
68-54 loss vs. Pacers
0 pts, 0-5 FG

Anthony Smith, Pacers
68-54 win vs. Magic
3 pts, 1-7 FG

Bill Walker, Celtics
92-79 win vs. Nets/Sixers
9 pts, 2-7 FG

By Josh Cohen
It may not be as memorable as earning Most Valuable Player in the NBA’s regular season. But, claiming the tribute in the summer league may be just as remarkable.

No, superstars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant weren’t in Orlando to claim the prize. Roy Hibbert, however, who averaged 20.2 points and nine rebounds during the week, was.

The former Georgetown standout, who guided the Indiana Pacers to a perfect 5-0 record, shot a blistering 63 percent from the field and, alongside fellow big man Tyler Hansbrough, was relentless in the paint as he was named the unofficial 2009 Summer League Scoop MVP.

Hibbert managed to get to the free throw line 32 times, burying 24 of them. He also played unremitting defense, denying many shot attempts.

Despite his outstanding effort, nevertheless, Hibbert realizes this is just one step closer to where he ultimately wants to be.

"I give myself a B-," he said. "I still have some things to work on."

If Hibbert can transport his summer performance into the regular season, the Pacers will potentially have a very successful season in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Jim O'Brien must be feeling optimistic.

By Dan Savage
You could make the argument that getting named to the 2009 Orlando Pro All-Summer League Team is more important than an All-Star nod – you might not win it, but there's a debate to be made.

After all, those phenomenal athletes who get a berth to play among the NBA's best usually have a long-term contract in place and their financial situation set.

On the other hand, for the young talents who played in Orlando this past week, making a positive impression on countless coaches, general managers and scouts may have gone a long way in helping them secure a future spot on an NBA roster and permanent place in the league.

According to the annual judges (Melanie Curtsinger and Jason Wallace) here are the emerging stars that shined the brightest this week:

First team: G Russell Westbrook, OKC; G James Harden, OKC; F Tyler Hansbrough, IND; F Ryan Anderson, ORL; C Roy Hibbert, IND

Second team: G J.R. Giddens, BOS; G/F Kasib Powell, ORL; F Nick Fazekas, BOS; F D.J. White, OKC; C Marreese Speights, NJ/PHI

Disagree with a pick? Send your selections here.

By Josh Cohen
Some words to describe the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League include: eye-popping, cutthroat and entertaining.

No, the outcome of the games are not nearly as significant as individual performances, but, as many of the competitors demonstrated during the week, winning is all that matters at the professional level.

Perhaps at first players want to showcase their own talents and capabilities. After a while, however, the focus becomes more team oriented. Guys, as a result, attempt to incorporate their teammates and execute their coach’s methods and strategies.

We witnessed that, for instance, from the Utah Jazz on Friday when they accumulated 19 assists in their 70-60 triumph over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Kruger handed out five dimes, while Andre Ingram, Eric Maynor and Cedric Bozeman each had four assists.

Jerry Sloan was very pleased as he watched from the scouting section.

By Dan Savage
It's the ideal scenario for every player participating in any summer league:

After exceeding expectations on the court in front of numerous basketball personnel, the head coach of a Finals team approaches you and says, "Great job this week, we'll definitely be in touch."

That's exactly what happened to the Orlando Magic's Kasib Powell after he notched 12 points and eight rebounds on Friday to solidify an excellent week, during which he shot 46 percent from the field and 53 percent from 3-point range.

"For the head coach to come over and say that I had a good week shows that he's seen all the hard work and effort I put in," Powell explained. "It's a good feeling."

Watch Kasib Powell's interview with OrlandoMagic.com.