ORLANDO, Fla. -- Keith Brumbaugh doesn't want to hear the odds.
He doesn't want to hear the irrefutable numbers, that there are far more players on the court at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp than there are available spots in the June 26 draft. Doesn't want to hear that the overwhelming majority of players at the Disney complex near Orlando won't be in the league next year, either.
It's not a harsh assessment. It's simple math. The demand for jobs in the NBA just exceeds the supply, plain and simple.
But to someone like Brumbaugh, these days, it's easier to shun reality.
He has never been closer to his dream. He's got to get there. Right?
"I'm trying to make my own reality right now," Brumbaugh said. "I don't have a magic ball. This is my first time officially really playing in a game where scouts are seeing me. So I'm optimistic."
So was everyone else wearing the NBA-issued blue and white jerseys that served as their uniforms during the last week of May. For some, this is just the start. For others, this might be the only time they play before the likes of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Pat Riley, whether they want to realize that or not.
The names of 60 players will be called on draft night. And 69 players who still had college eligibility applied for those spots -- some of which will be gobbled up by graduating collegians and international players.
Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, their spots are obviously safe.
Brumbaugh and dozens of other campers might be looking for a miracle.
"You just want to believe, man, there's still a chance, still a chance, still a chance," Brumbaugh said. "I guarantee, there isn't one person out here saying 'I'm not going to get drafted.' Not one person. And I'm definitely one of them."
He says it matter-of-factly, absolute in his belief.
Maybe he's on to something. Hey, he's beaten long odds before.
