Ron Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal tells the stories of Eddie Gill, Ike Fontaine and Fred Vinson.

Gill's 10-day contract has just been extended for the rest of the season, and Fontaine is hoping for the same.  Vinson just hopes for another 10-day call-up.

None of these players was drafted, and for them it's a looooong road to the NBA.  Each has taken different paths.

As Fontaine says, "If you're not drafted, it's difficult.  But if you like basketball, stay at home and follow your dreams. The best thing is to keep working hard and hope things fall your way."