"I'm ready for it,' Raptors rookie Gradey Dick says of the back and forth between the NBA team and the 905

Before embarking on a six game trip west that wraps up Friday in Utah, the sent rookie on assignment to their G league affiliate to continue what coach Darko Rajakovic called a “special program.” There were no details given about what the team expects from the 20 year old , but he had to see it as another opportunity to get better .

And Dick has had a decent run so far, averaging 15.1 points and 34 minutes in three games with the 905, by far his most playing time since coming to Toronto. He is happy to be doing more of what he is used to be doing. “It’s been nothing but the best,” Dick said Wednesday night after watching the .

He sat out the game due to a minor forearm contusion . “We talk about team chemistry so much and you’ve got to adjust to it at this level. It feels like different players coming at different times, and it’s a lot different than college where you are with your teammates 24/7. The quicker we build that team chemistry, the smoother it is.” The Raptors drafted Dick 13th last summer in part because of .

He was an impressive 40.3 per cent last year at the University of Kansas but has shot just 25 per cent from long range in limited time in the NBA, and just 20 per cent with the 905. He knows he needs to be better to earn a rotation spot with the Raptors. “It’s about maintaining my consistency … and continuing to develop that (skill) every single day,” he said.

The Raptors recalled Dick from the G League on Thursday and he was to rejoin the team in Utah. The back and forth between the two sides is a reality he knew he would face, and he is determined to make the most of it. “It’s just preparation. My dad talked about it a lot when I was growing up, just about being prepared for things," he said.

" Whatever happens, I’m prepared for it. “I’m going to go in there and do what the coach wants. I’m not trying to go out there and be someone who I’m not; I’ve never really felt like I could play like that. At the end of the day, what got me here is what I’m going to continue to do.

That’s why I’m listening to the coach and, if he tells me to do something, I’m going to give it my all.”.