Liberty University’s Zach Cleveland has been invited to take part in the 2026 AWS NBA G League Combine, according to a May 4 announcement. The event will be held from Friday through Sunday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.
The combine is designed for NBA Draft prospects to display their skills before scouts, coaches, and front office executives from both the NBA and the NBA G League. Participants will compete in five-on-five games as well as strength and agility drills. Cleveland is one of 44 players selected for this opportunity and is the only player representing Conference USA.
A select group of players from those participating may earn invitations to the AWS NBA Draft Combine later in May based on their performance during this event. Notable past participants of the G League Combine include Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, Dallas Mavericks forward Caleb Martin, Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus, and Mac McClung—a three-time Slam Dunk champion and two-time Kia NBA G League MVP.
This marks Cleveland’s third major post-season basketball event since finishing his senior year with Liberty Flames Men’s Basketball. He previously played in the NABC-Reese’s Division I College All-Star Game on April 3 and participated in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament from April 15-18.
During his final season at Liberty, Cleveland earned several honors including Conference USA Player of the Year and selection to both All-CUSA first team and NABC East District first team. He averaged 11.9 points per game (third on his team), led with 7.6 rebounds per game, topped assists with an average of 6.9 per game (which also led CUSA), posted a team-high 1.3 blocks per game, and was third on his squad with 1.3 steals per contest. His defensive rebounding numbers also ranked among national leaders.
Cleveland completed his college career highly decorated: he was named twice to NABC All-District teams; made three All-CUSA selections; became a two-time Lou Henson Award finalist; appeared on multiple academic honor rolls; finished fourth all-time at Liberty for career assists (569); eighth for rebounds (749); twenty-fifth for points scored (1,220); and second for blocks (127).
For more information about participants or details regarding the upcoming combine events, readers can visit gleague.nba.com/news/2026-nba-g-league-combine-participants.
