PODCAST: Previewing Prime's G League documentary with Mad Ants' Dan Vance
Prime Studios' latest documentary shares stories of players who made it to the NBA and others who are on the cusp in the G League — like Gabe York.
It is the NBA offseason, but there is no shortage of content. From USA Basketball to the FIBA World Cup, plus the WNBA, TBT and more, there’s options to fill the void until NBA action resumes in October.
Including a new option this week, a documentary on the NBA’s G League — their developmental league that has continue to grow each year.
“Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey” was produced by Amazon Studios with a runtime of just under two hours. It’s scheduled to debut Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
And look who’s on the cover for the advertisement on Prime Video? Gabe York — the Mad Ants’ all-time leader in 3s in a game (nine), 3s in a season (161) and in franchise history (316).
I have not seen an early copy of the documentary, so I’ll be watching for the first time this week and expecting to see plenty of focus on players who both made it to the NBA and others who are so close, but not there yet.
The documentary is starring G League Ignite alum Scoot Henderson, plus York and Denzel Valentine (Maine). The success stories include Seth Curry, Spencer Dinwiddie, Gary Payton II and Jalen Green.
(Click here for more on York’s story)
This was a year-long endeavor for the production crew as they followed players around closely. The Mad Ants, led by general manager Chris Taylor and coach Tom Hankins, welcomed the crew with full access. Dan Vance, the team’s director of public relations and social media, also played an important role in the relationship and setting up shots and interviews.
So he’s my guest on the latest Fieldhouse Files Podcast — discussing how the team and York were featured and what that experience was like.
“The exciting part is that we tried to embrace the experience as a franchise and really show the grind of the G League from every level,” said Vance. “That was the most exciting part, being able to showcase who we were as a franchise, who these guys were as a team, and I think that hopefully shows in the documentary.
“We were willing to participate every way we can. They spent some time with Gabe in his hotel room in Las Vegas during the (G League) Winter Showcase. He was sick, but they still wanted to get some stuff. Gabe was a willing participant and really opened up his life, as did TQ (Trevelin Queen). And I think the exciting part for me was helping make everything happen with the producers and the directors.
“To be open to the experience and really showcase what the G League is about for a causal fan of the G League or for somebody who is a little more hardcore and knows the G League, I think it’s gonna be a really great glimpse into what the league is about and what the Mad Ants are about.”
York did not play in the Las Vegas Summer League, but he did play in the TBT and is currently a free agent.
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