For aspiring basketball players, being part of an NBA roster is a dream that rarely comes to fruition, as playing at the highest level is both a blessing and vindication that they have chosen the right career. While most of them start early and move their way up the ranks to get noticed by NCAA teams, and have a chance of getting drafted, others spend time in the Summer League or D-League to showcase their skill set.

But not for 61-year-old grandpa Calvin Roberts

He is a former fourth round pick by the San Antonio Spurs in 1980, but was not able to crack their roster ,and just opted to play overseas instead. This year, despite his advanced age, he is working hard to make it to a Summer League lineup, and prove that he can still play against some of the best young players of today. He revealed, via in a Fox News segment, that he will not allow anybody to get in the way of his goal, and that he believes he is in good shape to make it happen.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Victor Wembanyama Spurs rookie card counterfeit

Peter Sampson ·

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan

Hector Ledesma ·

Spurs' Victor Wembanyama doing Drake Hotline Bling meme with Tim Duncan and David Robinson

Hector Ledesma ·

“I’m trying to get myself into shape, better than I ever have been before. I’m trying to get into the summer league,” 61-year-old Calvin Roberts said. “I want to go out against the best, the youngest. [That] makes me play better. I just have a goal I have to reach and I’m not going to let anything stand in my way to get there.”

“I know I’m getting older, I know that. I’m not saying I’m not thinking of that, but I just feel in my body and my heart, I’m still in good shape. And as long as there is an NBA team out there that may be interested, I’m going to keep pushing the issue. I’m going to keep driving myself to where I’m going to make an impression on somebody that may give me a shot or come practice with them, but I’m not giving up.”

As it stands, Roberts is certainly not lacking belief in himself that he can make the improbable come into reality. Although he has virtually no chance of playing in the league, you have to admire the man's determination and goals. Should he somehow make it to the Summer League, he will be an inspiration to a lot of people not to give up on their dreams, and will send a strong message to them that hard work really does pay off.