Bahamian basketball standout Jean Rony Cadot is increasing his chances of making it to the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The 6' 5" guard will work out with the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls in a few weeks. In this Nassau Guardian exclusive, Cadot explains that it has always been his dream to play professional basketball.
"I got a call at the end of my senior season here at Texas Christian University (TCU)," said Cadot. "I got a call from the Chicago Bulls first. That was at the end of the season and then one from the Houston Rockets about a week or two weeks ago. I am scheduled to work out with the Rockets at the end of this month and I have an opportunity to train with the Chicago Bulls in the middle of June. I won't say it was hard but I know it was not easy (to get noticed). I feel as though I was putting in the right amount of work during the season on and off the court. All my hard work made for better results and made it easier for something like this to happen."
Even though he is being looked at by two NBA franchises, Cadot said he is still weighing his options. The Rockets organization is based just minutes away from where Cadot stays, and might be a perfect fit for the graduating senior at TCU. In fact, Cadot likes the Rockets' overall look. Of course, he is not counting any team out, but said, "I see more of an opportunity there (Rockets), but I feel like I can contribute to any team. If given the opportunity I would be productive."
The Bulls were the number one seeded team in the east going into the NBA playoffs this year. However, they were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Rockets did not advance to the playoffs.
Cadot knows that the transition from college to the professional ranks will not be easy. At TCU, he averaged 11 points per game for the Horned Frogs. He played in 33 games in his senior year and was named to the All-conference team. Cadot had the
second highest field goal percentage for the Horned Frogs this year. It wasn't an easy road for the former C.V. Bethel Stingrays player though. He thanked God for blessing him with the talent and paving the way for him.
He said: "It was tough, especially coming from a situation where my family was not able to provide me with the support I needed. I know that they wanted to but they were not able to. I had to start from scratch and climb my way up when I got over here in the United States and just chase my dreams. I was just willing to do whatever I had to do, as far as being successful on the basketball court and taking care of my school work, is concerned. It was a tough process but I pulled through. I prayed to God and I knew that at the end of the day, He would help me, and He did that.
"Basketball over here is more organized and it provides the opportunities needed to be exposed so it adds pressure. Over here you can play on a high level where people can see you. Back at home sometimes the talent is overlooked and it is not appreciated. You don't have the right amount of support and there aren't enough people pushing you. I knew I needed to get out where I could be seen. I was able to be seen and I took off from there. I took full advantage of it and picked up where I started from, at home."
Cadot hopes to bring energy, leadership and maturity to whatever organization he signs with. He said he will do his best to ensure that his team wins. As far as his condition is concerned, he said he's not where he wants to be right now, but plans to improve before the training sessions start.
The guard is also expected to return home and play for the national team at this summer's Centrobasket Championships.

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