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Elias Ralph knew hearing his name called on draft night was unlikely.
For the former Pacific forward, earning a spot on the Sacramento Kings ' Summer League roster was always the ultimate goal.
That opportunity finally arrived about a month after Ralph worked out for the Kings, bringing one of the biggest moments of his basketball career.
"It was probably one of the craziest things I've ever felt," Ralph said.
"Especially being from Canada, you just don't really think it's possible.
Glory to God, but it just kind of happened, and I just feel really grateful." It was like probably one of the craziest things Ive ever felt.
You dont really think its possible.
Glory to God.
Elias Ralphs journey to the Sacramento Kings summer league roster has been remarkable.
Ralph averaged 16.7 points per game with the UOP Tigers this past season,..
pic.twitter.com/RqSJ5LOeqS Kevin John (@heykevinjohn) July 11, 2026 Ralph joined Sacramento as an undrafted free agent after a senior season in which he averaged 16.7 points per game and became the first Pacific player in seven years to earn First-Team All-WCC honors.
Before receiving the Summer League invitation, he and his agent focused on securing as many pre-draft workouts as possible.
"It was a dream to play Summer League for me," Ralph said.
"I knew I wasn't going to get drafted, so I knew the next step would be Summer League." The opportunity also keeps Ralph close to familiar surroundings.
After spending the past two seasons in Stockton, he said joining the Kings organization felt like a natural fit.
"It's huge because I know the area so well already," Ralph said.
"Talking to some of the people on the Kings' staff, they went to school at Pacific too.
It's kind of like a little Pacific family already there." Ralph Has High Praise For His Coach Ralph credits Pacific coach Dave Smart for helping prepare him for professional basketball.
Rather than focusing on praise, Smart challenged him to improve every part of his game.
"He didn't really sugarcoat anything for me," Ralph said.
"He told me I was talented, but I had a lot of room for growing.
It pushed me out of my comfort zone and really helped me grow." Although Ralph has yet to appear in a Summer League game after remaining out during the California Classic, he said patience has become part of the experience.
Instead of worrying about playing time, he has focused on learning from the players around him.
"I'm taking everything, just being grateful for everything.
When that opportunity does come, just making sure I'm ready.
I can shoot the ball, rebound at a high level, and guard," he said.
When his chance arrives, Ralph wants scouts and coaches to notice three things above all else.
Practicing alongside first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr., second-round selection Emanuel Sharp and rookie forward Alex Karaban has also shown him what separates the professional level from college basketball.
Ralph also hopes Summer League leads to a G League opportunity before eventually earning an NBA roster spot.
His message to young Canadian players chasing the same dream is simple.
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