NBA Summer League gives Alabama State alum TJ Madlock his first taste of the pros

After going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft, Alabama State guard TJ Madlock received a last-minute call that shifted his summer plans. Instead of preparing to play overseas, he flew to Detroit to join the Detroit Pistons for the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 10-20.

Madlock was one of three HBCU players participating in Summer League, alongside Howard’s Steve Settle III (Miami Heat) and Winston-Salem State’s Javonte Cooke (Miami Heat). Madlock expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating he immediately focused on preparing professionally upon learning of his roster spot.

During Summer League, the 6-foot-3 All-SWAC second-team honoree averaged 6.0 points while shooting 50% from the field across two games. His standout performance came on July 19, scoring nine points in 15 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs. Madlock aimed to prove he could compete against elite talent, emphasizing his team-first mentality: "I try to be a team-first player that makes everyone better."

Madlock played collegiately under his father, Alabama State head coach Tony Madlock, who highlighted his son’s basketball IQ and defensive strengths: "He’s a natural defender... rebounds really well for a guard." Tony noted TJ’s physicality but advised continued work on shooting. TJ viewed the experience as fulfilling a dream and focused on playing hard while learning from the Pistons' coaching staff.