OKC Thunder: Darius Bazley path to NBA subject of documentary ‘Gap Year’

OKC Thunder rookie Darius Bazley unconventional path to the NBA is the subject of ‘Gap Year’ a documentary to be featured on Uninterrupted.

When Darius Bazley was weighing his options coming out of high school the future OKC Thunder rookie elected to take an unconventional path.  Although some rookies have chosen to play overseas or with the G-League Bazley became the first prospect to take on an internship.

That choice to work as an intern at New Balance and earn one million dollars is now the subject of a documentary called Gap Year and will be featured on the website Uninterrupted.

When Bazley left high school he had originally set his sights on attending Syracuse University but his thought process shifted. He signed on with Klutch Sports Group and in conjunction with owner Rich Paul decided to shift his focus. Initially, the plan was to play in the G-League but when the New Balance internship became an option the youngster chose that direction.

OKC Thunder Darius Bazley subject of documentary ‘Gap Year’

This choice was unchartered territory as it would require Bazley to work in a nine to five job and prepare for the upcoming draft in his own time.  That choice and the year he spent prior to the 2019 draft is now the focus of a documentary film ‘Gap Year’ which will be featured on Uninterrupted.

In preparation for the film’s release, Darius Bazley made a guest appearance on ESPN’s NBA The Jump. The wingman discussed the film, his rookie season in OKC, and offered insight into this past season with the club.

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Bazley spoke of how the year with New Balance forced him to grow up with the responsibility of working a nine to five job and how he doesn’t regret the decision. No doubt, earning a million dollars made his decision easier.

But those funds also allowed the youngster to hire the appropriate team to prepare him for the NBA Draft. Still, as a high school student, he had to commit to the work and it’s a testament to the youngster he put in those long hard hours in the gym.

Bazley also touched on the past season and how the OKC Thunder became the best surprise in the association this past season.  He says losing to the Rockets on the very last play “sucked” and reconfirms the OKC Thunder had belief in themselves from the very start of the season.  Bazley stated he felt they were the better team which is in line with how the Thunder felt about their abilities this entire season.

Also noteworthy is his praise of veteran Chris Paul who became a ‘big brother’ to the youngster on and off the court. Bazley spoke on how he helped him grow noting CP3 was quick to tell him things even when they were difficult to hear. The New Balance intern said he became a sponge for all the information the 15-year vet had to offer.

The documentary isn’t up on the site yet but will be available for everyone’s viewing pleasure in the coming days.