BREVARD, N.C. - Miles Leathers was one of 30 players chosen to represent USA Select Basketball in a September exposure tour, where he will travel to several European countries to play against top competition.

Leathers, who graduated in May after establishing new school NCAA-era career records for assists and steals, tying the record for rebounding, and finishing second in scoring, felt a mixture of relief and pride when he received word that he'd been selected. "There's always that feeling in the back of your head that you might get recognized," he commented. "I felt like I played well and earned the selection."

The standout forward and preseason second team all-South Atlantic Conference selection was recommended for the camp by head coach Lee Burgess, who had an inkling that Leathers' skill set could translate to the professional game.

"The European game more perimeter-oriented," Burgess said. "He's shown the ability to make shots from the perimeter, but regardless of if it's in the USA or anywhere else, his ability to score in the paint against guys his size is going to be a great asset to whatever team he's on."

Leathers joined over 100 hopefuls at a training facility in the Charlotte suburb of Indian Trail to vie for 30 roster spots. The grueling schedule included 10 games over a three-day period, allowing dozens of scouts to make a full assessment of each player.

"We played four games each on Friday and Saturday," Leathers said, "and those were all with the same group of guys. I played with a different group for the last two games on Sunday.

"I played pretty well in some of the games," he continued, "but I'm really more of a 'know what you get' type of guy as far as scoring and rebounding goes. I was trying to showcase everything I can do," hoping that scouts would recognize his talent in all facets of the game.

Leathers' ultimate goal is to sign a contract with a European team, an outcome that is not promised by the organization but is far from uncommon. USA Select General Manager and Head Coach Sean Kilmartin briefed selected players on how the process of being signed by a European team may work.

"We have had players come back on the flight," Kilmartin wrote in an email, "for me only to have a phone call in the Charlotte airport asking if a player was available and he would fly right back…We had a player get picked up right in the middle of a tournament in Ireland and play later the same day with his new pro team. The stories go on."

The European tour will be a tremendous cultural experience for the Charlotte native, whose only trip outside of the country came on a Caribbean cruise last summer. The schedule has yet to be finalized, but the preliminary itinerary includes competitions in Norway, Ireland, and the English capital of London.

In addition to the front office staff of its opponents, USA Select games typically attract an audience of scouts from other clubs looking to fill their rosters with young, American talent. Leathers isn't attempting to garner attention from teams in any specific location, however; his hope is simply to continue playing the sport he has devoted so much of himself to, no matter where.

"I couldn't be any more enthusiastic to travel the world and play basketball, doing something I love," he remarked. "I don't have a specific country or league I'd like to play in. I'll just be excited for any opportunity that presents itself."

Burgess is confident that Leathers' determination will serve him well as he seeks a professional opportunity. "I think the main thing I've seen in Miles is that throughout his career, he's found a way to get the job done and make himself successful, whether it's in the classroom or on the basketball court. He's gotten steadily better, and his career statistical accomplishments are very impressive.

"I think that can continue at another level. If given an opportunity, he's going to make himself successful. This is the first step for him toward getting him that possibility."

Featured image courtesy of Tommy Moss.

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