Basketball: Corey Webster invited to Pelicans training camp

Corey Webster. Photo / Getty

Corey Webster's NBA dream has taken a positive step forward after receiving an invitation to attend the New Orleans Pelicans' training camp at the end of the month.

The Tall Blacks shooting guard has spent three days this week training in front of the NBA franchise's coaching team as he seeks to crack the best basketball league in the world.

And receiving a golden ticket to training camp can only be a sign that Webster has impressed enough in limited opportunity to be considered a chance of securing a roster spot for the upcoming season.

"I am not there yet but this is another positive step towards my dream of playing in the NBA," Webster said. "The past week has gone well and the coaches have been impressed enough by the workouts to want me to stay for the training camp on a non-guaranteed contract.

"It is again up to me now to prove my value to the organisation, to put my head down and give it my best shot at training camp. I came here this week with a three day window to impress, this has bought me more time and a chance to take the jump into the actual NBA roster."

Breakers chief executive Richard Clarke was delighted for Webster and the club would continue to monitor his progress with great interest and excitement.

"We are thrilled for Corey but understand that this is just another small step along the way," Clarke said. "We are proud of how far Corey has come and, while welcome, this news is no surprise to us knowing the freakish talent that he is on the basketball court.

"We just want to wish Corey all the best and have him give this opportunity 100 per cent of his focus and become the first Breaker to progress through to the NBA."

With the camp taking place from September 29 to October 2, Webster will not return to New Zealand in the interim, instead staying to continue to work out with Pelicans' coaching and support staff to ensure he ready to chase a contract.