STWF Sports| KENNER, La.| Sept. 19, 2026 — The Laketown Squadron took another step toward building its roster and establishing its presence in the New Orleans basketball community Saturday, hosting an open tryout at Tulane University’s Hertz Center.

Introducing the Laketown Squadron: A New Era in Local Basketball

The NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans welcomed prospective players for an opportunity to compete for an invitation to the Squadron’s 2026-27 training camp. The session featured 22 players representing a wide range of basketball backgrounds, from local college programs to international and professional experience.

More than simply an evaluation, the tryout provided the organization an opportunity to identify players capable of fitting into the competitive environment the Squadron hopes to establish during its first season in the New Orleans area.

Players were evaluated through timed five-on-five sessions with frequent rotations, giving the coaching and basketball operations staff an opportunity to observe different combinations and assess how participants responded in live-game situations. The format tested more than scoring ability, placing an emphasis on communication, decision-making, defensive effort and the ability to adjust alongside unfamiliar teammates.

The competition eventually narrowed into a final all-star session featuring Team Jeff Dixon and Team Kobe Jordan.

Team Jeff Dixon featured several players with Louisiana and regional connections. Michael Pajeaud, a 6-foot-1 point guard, played collegiately at Alcorn State, while 6-foot-4 guard Leonard Jackson brought experience from Loyola University New Orleans. Treylan Smith, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from the University of Mobile, added size on the perimeter.

Caleb White was one of the biggest players in the group at 6-foot-9 and 240 pounds, providing Team Jeff Dixon with frontcourt size. Miles-Jordan Smartt brought international experience from Portugal, while Christian Allen, Cedric Smith, Wayne Trepagnier, Brendon Hunter, Jordan Thomas and Shaquille Duncan rounded out the group.

Team Kobe Jordan also featured an intriguing mix of size, guard play and varied basketball backgrounds.

Dontarius James, a 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward, entered the session with international experience from Tartu Ulikool Maks. Deonte Edwards, listed at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, brought additional frontcourt versatility following experience with the Arba Coyotes in Costa Rica.

Louisiana connections were also prominent on the roster. Jonquarius McGhee, a 6-foot-2 point guard, played at Louisiana Christian University, while 5-foot-11 guard Kevin Dorsey represented Southern University. Dallas Verrette, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, brought experience from Delgado Community College.

Jamil Truxillo, CJ Nobles, DJ Johnson, Sean Jones Jr., Anthony White and Corey Kennedy completed Team Kobe Jordan’s tryout roster.

With only limited opportunities available at the professional level, open tryouts can provide an important pathway for overlooked players attempting to extend their basketball careers. Saturday’s session gave participants a chance to compete directly in front of Squadron decision-makers rather than relying solely on previous statistics, film or résumé credentials.

For Laketown, the event also represented an early connection between the franchise and the basketball culture it will serve. The range of talent on the floor demonstrated the depth of players seeking professional opportunities throughout Louisiana and beyond.

The next decisions belong to the Squadron’s basketball operations staff, which will determine whether any of Saturday’s participants earn invitations to training camp.

Regardless of how many advance, the tryout offered an early glimpse of the competition surrounding Laketown’s roster construction. With players battling through five-on-five action for a chance to continue their professional journey, the Squadron’s first season is beginning to take shape well before the opening tip.

Tryouts Roster

Team Jeff Dixon

Team Kobe Jordan

Total tryout participants: 22 — 11 on Team Jeff Dixon and 11 on Team Kobe Jordan.