Far from the bright lights and frenzied crowds at state-of-the-art NBA arenas, Melvin Ely plies his craft with determination and dedication half a world away.
The Fresno State product, the 12th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, didn't (and doesn't) receive the recognition that many of his peers get. But he takes immense pride in doing his job the right way and for his longevity as a professional basketball player.
Now 36 years old, the 208-cm Gunma Crane Thunders center is focused on his the third-year franchise's current quest: advancing to the playoffs for the first time. Furthermore, Ely said, "as long as they keep calling my name for jobs, I'm coming. . . . I'm still ready to play."