Watch: Kevin Cross prepares for Summer League opportunity with the Charlotte Hornets

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — In the days following the 2024 draft, Kevin Cross received around five to six summer league offers and felt the best chance at cracking an NBA roster was in Charlotte.

“I felt like with them just not having too many picks in the draft and not too many young guys coming back for summer league, it was just a big opportunity for me in Charlotte,” said former Tulane forward Kevin Cross.

A big opportunity for a big-time basketball talent.

In four years at Tulane, Kevin Cross’ commitment to the process molded him into a versatile weapon that led the Green Wave in scoring (17.5 points per game), rebounding (7.3 per game), assists (4.6 per game), and blocks (28) in his final year Uptown.

“I feel like my work and dedication at Tulane was kind of obvious just for the simple fact, like I had a tremendous jump from my first and second year at Tulane and of course from my last season at Tulane,” said Cross.

That drive combined with the motivation of going undrafted has prepared Kevin Cross for the next phase of his basketball career.

“With me not getting drafted, it added a lot of fuel to the fire for sure and just me not being able to get my contract right out the door. So, it’s definitely a steppingstone for me, just being able to show what I can do,” said Cross.

Richie Mills: How do you think your versatility translates to the next level?

“I feel like it’s a very attractive skill set just for the simple fact that there’s not a lot of guys my size that can handle the ball, find the right play, make the shot. It’s a lot of things that transfer over that varies I feel like,” responded Cross.

Richie Mills: Obviously people want to score these days but how much joy do you take in doing the the dirty work of basketball?

“That’s pretty much predicated around my game. I feel like just me being able to rebound the basketball and push it and find the right play is getting everybody involved still. So, it keeps the ball rolling for the team for sure,” answered Cross.

Kevin Cross will have eight chances to show franchises that his game belongs in the NBA starting this weekend with the California Classic.

“Mentally I’m just trying to come in and focus and be sharp because I don’t really know how my playing time and everything is going to go because it’s not like college or anything. So just, being able to do what I do once I get that shot on the floor.”

Richie Mills: What is the NBA about to learn about Kevin Cross?

“Kevin Cross can do it all, no matter the situation,” said Cross.

The Carlotte Hornets open the 2024 California Classic at 7:30 p.m. against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Hornets face China at 7 p.m. Sunday night and close out the showcase against Sacramento at 9 p.m. Tuesday night.

They also plan to take part in the 2K25 Summer League Showcase from July 12th through the 22nd in Las Vegas.

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