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Fmr. Gophers Williams & Mbakwe Now Free Agent Hopefuls

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The NBA draft came and went and neither Trevor Mbake nor Rodney Williams heard their name.

Now they're re-united as teammates trying to prove themselves in the NBA summer league as free agent hopefuls -- fueled by the big league dream.

Mbakwe is working out and staying in shape at the Howard Pulley League.

He endured draft night when his name was not called.

"It was draining seeing guys you played with but you're happy for those guys at the same time," he said. "But now I have to refocus."

Williams worked out for several NBA teams as well. He was not drafted and will join Mbakwe on Philadelphia's summer team.

"I'll play five games there and earn my spot that way," he said. "They want me to defend out there. I'll go and hit those open shots down."

They both got a basketball lesson in life. It's enough to keep an NBA dream alive, with a shot of reality.

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