FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Mad Ants of the NBA’s G League begin their third year under the operation of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Owner Herb Simon purchased the franchise back in 2015, and most NBA teams later followed in owning their own development program. - The connection between the Pacers and Mad Ants is now close. General Manager Brian Levy communicates daily with the Pacers front office, specifically GM Chad Buchanan. - Steve Gansey, who is entering his third year as head coach, sends a report after every game to Pacers head coach Nate McMillan and frequently talks with longtime Pacers assistant Dan Burke. - For the first time this season, NBA teams can sign up to two players to two-way contracts. This allows a player to spend up to 45 days with the NBA franchise (not including training camp and the time before G League camp) while earning at least $75,000, three times the salary of the average G League player — which is around just $20,000. - The Pacers signed rookie Edmond Sumner to a two-year, two-way contract, and Alex Poythress to a one-year deal. - Recently the Mad Ants held open tryouts in Fort Wayne and the Plassman Athletic Center was packed. As in it was the biggest turnout in franchise history — over 120 participants — and zero parking spots in the lot. - Players, ranging from 18 to 34, were fighting for four invitations to Mad Ants training camp. - Among those from the Pacers on hand to evaluate: Pro scout Vance Catlin, scout Jason Buckner, and scouting coordinator Harrison Greenberg. - [Chris Taylor takes on new role with the Mad Ants] - On this podcast, I’ll talk with Levy and then Gansey about their experience in the G League, their relationship with the Pacers, and what they are looking forward to this season. - - Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on Apple Podcasts. - I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. - Topics Discussed: - - * What they’ve learned after two years in their current position - * Growth of the G League (formerly the Development League) - * Daily communication with the Pacers front office and coaching staff - * The challenge of players getting called up or choosing to go overseas - * Two-way contracts - * Their involvement during Pacers training camp