As per Live Cricket BPL, the Memphis Grizzlies surged in the final quarter to edge past the Philadelphia 76ers and secure a victory in their Summer League opener. Despite the loss, one bright spot emerged for the 76ers — rookie wing Ricky Council IV. Even on a night when most of the team struggled to find rhythm, Council delivered a composed and effective performance. Every player has their own spark, and his was undeniable. His strong drives, reliable mid-range shooting, and diverse offensive arsenal stood out clearly.

On defense, Council was just as energetic — hustling on every play and bringing high effort throughout. The 76ers, who entered the draft without a single pick, moved swiftly post-draft to sign him to a two-way contract. As Live Cricket BPL observes, Council is a well-built wing who can swing between the guard and forward spots. He’s a confident scorer who attacks the rim with power, handles the ball well in transition, and has shown glimpses of a promising jump shot.

However, his shooting consistency remains a concern. His three-point percentage sits below 30%, which is alarmingly low for a perimeter player in today’s league. Still, there’s no doubt Council has the raw tools and upside to compete at the NBA level. Prior to the draft, he was projected as a potential second-round pick and was considered one of the most promising undrafted prospects available. Life throws curveballs, but there’s always a place that welcomes your resilience — and for Council, that place might be the Sixers’ rotation if he continues this form.

If he can maintain this level of play, there’s a real chance he’ll secure a longer stay in the league beyond just a two-way deal — a pleasant surprise for both the player and the franchise.

On the other hand, the team’s starting center Filip Petrušev didn’t leave quite the same impression. His offensive impact was minimal, and his defense was shaky, struggling to adapt to the NBA’s pace and physicality. In his matchup against Grizzlies big man Kenneth Lofton Jr., Petrušev appeared outmatched and overwhelmed at times.

Still, the Serbian center is widely seen as a high-upside prospect. He has a versatile scoring game, solid passing vision, and can facilitate from the high post. On defense, he offers decent rebounding and rim protection. Having spent the past two seasons developing in Europe, he’s returning to the NBA with greater maturity and polish. As Live Cricket BPL notes, this summer marks a major leap for Petrušev compared to last year, and he’s expected to finalize his NBA contract with the 76ers in the coming months.

Believe in your instincts, and stay the course — both Council and Petrušev have shown that growth takes time, but opportunity knocks for those ready to answer.