Major League Pickleball (MLP) is back and better than ever.

Between the energy of the crowds, the new format, and the unique partnerships and team dynamics, MLP is just a lot of fun.

On Thursday, the Orlando Squeeze invited Orlando Magic (NBA) alumni to come out to the USTA National Campus and dink around for charity.

Former shooting guard Terrance Ross started playing pickleball after he retired a few years ago. And he was happy to show off some of his skills. 

“I started playing pickleball with my wife and a few friends, and I quickly got addicted. It was such a great way to get my competitive energy out,” said Ross. 

But for Brandon Bass and Bo Outlaw, this was the first time they’d played. And even though these former NBA pros have the natural athleticism it takes to keep up in the game, the shots, movements, and rules didn't come as naturally for the basketball players.

“The toughest part for me is gauging how hard to hit the ball, especially when all these people are watching you and there’s pressure applied in the heat of the moment,” said Bass. 

Outlaw was the most verbally enthusiastic on the court and sitting courtside watching the pros play with the former NBA stars. 

“I’ve seen pro pickleball on TV, but seeing it in person is a whole other level,” he said. “I don’t want to play against the pros. I’m not good enough yet because I keep hitting the balls too high. And the pros punish you for shots like that.”

And now that he’s played, Outlaw shared that he’d love to come back out and play again. 

“I think the problem with me is the kitchen line. My breaks don’t work like they used to, and stopping when I have momentum is tough,” he mentioned. 

But Outlaw really enjoyed pickleball pro Alli Phillips’ coaching and expertise. 

“She gave me some good pointers and she was great because she gave me confidence. She made me feel like I knew what I was doing,” he said. 

Phillips acted as a coach, and she instantly saw some promising qualities and major challenges for these former hoopsters.  

“I think the toughest part for them is learning to get low,” said Phillips. “Because they’re all so tall and the ball doesn’t bounce really high, getting low is hard. But they have great energy and they’re definitely impressive.”

Rashard Lewis took home the victory alongside Orlando Squeeze member, Federico Staksrud. 

“I had a lot of fun, got a good workout and a sweat, but it was very competitive. I had a really good teammate who helped me out a lot out there,” said Lewis after his victory.

And best of all, the event raised $10,600 for the Orlando Magic Youth foundation.

It was an excellent kickoff to the MLP season.