PORTLAND, ME -- Few Division III student-athletes receive an opportunity to showcase their skills before professional teams perchance to land the career of their dreams.
Just weeks after his Lynx career ended, Jesus Trejo is already the exception, as Lesley's all-time leading scorer engaged in a 45-minute workout before coaches from the Maine Red Claws, the NBA Developmental League affiliate of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats.
"We did mostly shooting drills," Trejo said. "We did big man drills, shooting and rebounding drills."
The Lynx 6-foot-8 center worked out with Red Claws assistant coach Hernando Planells, which went well, according to Lesley head coach Donald Morris.
"Coach Planells felt that Jesus was a hard worker, strong on the glass and on the block," Morris said. "It was a great experience for Jesus and our school."
Morris and his graduating center watched the Red Claws practice before Trejo's private workout at the team's arena, the Portland Expo. Following the practice, Morris discussed Trejo's options with Red Claws head coach Austin Ainge, son of Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, and Planells offered Trejo feedback based on the workout.
"I spoke with coach Ainge about where would be the best fit for Jesus," Morris said, "whether it was NBDL or overseas."
Planells offered Trejo feedback that he thinks could have him playing professionally, and if not Portland, Trejo already has somewhere in mind.
"He told me what I could work on - conditioning, athleticism - to play at the next level," said Trejo. With citizenship in the Dominican Republic through his parents, who were born there, Trejo is equally excited about a back-up plan that could be fulfilled soon enough.
"The Dominican Republic, I think that's probably where I will play," he said. "I've talked to a couple teams there. They have a league from July to October."
Whether it's along the Gulf of Maine or off Caribbean shores, Lesley basketball's finest export figures to make a splash, and he isn't wasting any time.