DuBois Area High School senior boys’ basketball player and DuBois Dream Basketball Club AAU and youth basketball player, Jordin Sommers, is continuing his basketball journey with the DuBois Dream Premier Basketball League team.
For the first time ever, the Dream will welcome an AAU product to the team, as Sommers will travel with the team when it takes the floor in Erie, PA for the PBL Championship Series on Saturday, April 10. He will have the unique opportunity to practice with the team and develop an understanding of what it takes to play minor league basketball. The goal for Sommers is to use this experience as he prepares to play at the next level in college following his graduation from DuBois Area High School.
This is not the first time that a college basketball player has played in the Premier Basketball League, however it is the first time that a graduating senior is being brought onto the team having come directly from a team’s AAU and youth developmental program. The DuBois Dream is very excited to become the first team to make that happen.
“It’s a process, but I know my visions and dreams are becoming a reality.” Player/Owner Albert Varacallo, III said. “I have always said that I would love to see a player work their way up through our developmental program and eventually play for our team, and I can think of no better player and person to start that process than Jordin Sommers.”
When asked about the opportunity Sommers said, “I’m just happy to be in this position and excited to be a part of the team and play on the team with Albert and see where it goes from here.”
Sommers is coming off a very successful senior basketball season in which he posted career highs in every major statistical category. He and his DAHS Beavers boys basketball team were one of the top teams in District 9 for a second consecutive year, however their season was ended by the eventual state champions last month. Jordin is now looking to build off of his high school success with the Dream as he prepares for his college basketball career.
“I know first hand how difficult it is to get prepared to play in college and at the next level in our area.” Varacallo said. “We are now forming a great group of basketball players from high school up through our minor league team who have that focus of playing at higher levels and with each player having that focus it will only take everyone’s game to a higher level. This is definitely just the beginning with this ‘Pathway to the Pros” program.”
By being added to the “Pathway to the Pros” program, Sommers will not only help the Dream get prepared for their PBL Championship Series and be on the roster, but he will also remain a part of the AAU & youth basketball program and practice with the youth and pros, as well as participate in select AAU tournaments. Sommers will not be compensated as a member of the Dream and will abide by all NCAA rules and guidelines in order to maintain his amateur status. Since he will remain within the AAU program and be known as a “developmental player” on the PBL roster, there will be no conflict moving forward.
“Some people like to play video games, but I’m just trying to do this stuff in real life,” Varacallo said. “I know Coach Rick and I always like adding energetic and hard working people to the organization who want to take advantage of an opportunity and I know Jordin will do just that. There are some big things in store for him and the rest of our organization.”
You can check out Jordin and the DuBois Dream when they take the floor in the PBL Championship Series on April 10th as they play the Roc City Lions in a play-in game at noon before the winner squares off against the #1 overall seed Toledo Glass City BC. Livestream can be found on the DuBois Dream Facebook Page. Also, you can read more about Jordin Sommers journey within the Dream program here.