Former Alabama forward Alex Reese makes the Oklahoma City Thunder's 15 man roster

Following a good training camp showing and injury to starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, former Alabama basketball forward Alex Reese will get the NBA opportunity that looked nearly impossible just two years ago.

Reese went undrafted out of Alabama after spending four years with the Crimson Tide and averaged just a little over six points-per-game. Reese's most famous moment with Alabama was in his last game, when he hit a long three-pointer at the buzzer to force overtime against UCLA in the Sweet 16.

Reese went undrafted and ultimately took a year off from basketball and worked as a bartender while he weighed his options. He ultimatley signed a contract to play in Luxembourg and had an outstanding season, averaging 24 points and 13 rebounds in 27 games.

His performance overseas got him noticed, and he spent last season playing for the Rip City Remix, the Portland TrailBlazers' G-League affiliate. He played in 43 games for them a year ago, and averaged 11.5 points-per-game while shooting 41% from three-point range.

All the hard work Reese has put in has paid off, and on Saturday, it was announced that he'd signed a non guaranteed deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and will start the season on their 15-man roster.

Reese's time in the NBA might be short lived as Hartenstein is expected to only miss the first month of the season, but it's still a huge opportunity for Reese to get playing time on perhaps the best roster in the NBA. If he plays well enough in his limited opportunities, who knows what could happen and Reese could end up elsewhere in a situation where minutes are more readily available.