Warriors Security Guard Jonathan Amey Jr. Receives Tryout for GSW's G League Team
Oct 31, 2021
SANTA CRUZ, CA - APRIL 26: A shot of the center logo prior to the game between the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Santa Cruz Warriors in Game Two of the NBA D-League Finals on April 26, 2015 at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
A Golden State Warriors security guard received an incredibly rare opportunity to make his basketball dreams come true.
Jonathan Amey Jr., who ushers Warriors players into their parking garage before games, tried out for the team's G League affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors last month, according to Janie McCauley of the Associated Press (h/t NBA.com).
Amey didn't make the cut, but he enjoyed the experience regardless.
"It was just a great experience to be able to play at a pro level," Amey said, "and be able to also just to have an opportunity to get a chance to do something most people wish they had the opportunity to do. I didn't think I was going to get an opportunity, so I just felt like, 'Hey, if the offer's there, just go for it.'"
Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry even lauded the 26-year-old before a Saturday night matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder:
"It speaks about how encouraging, motivating and unifying basketball is for him to go put himself out there, go out for a tryout," Curry said. "He said his jumper needed some improvement. He's a little self critical, but we gave him the confidence to keep trying and keep his attitude high. I like the fact that he put himself out there because it's no easy task. So, shoutout to Jonathan."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr didn't know about the tryout, but admitted he'll absolutely be talking to Amey about the experience:
"I've got to ask him about it," Kerr said. "Good for him, just to fulfill a dream and to go for it. I love it, that's great."
Amey previously played intramural basketball at Cal State East Bay.
