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SALT LAKE CITY — With the NBA draft just around the corner, teams are wrapping up workouts for potential players.
The Utah Jazz are no exception. They've hosted over 80 players and are working to narrow down the prospects. And among these prospects is Noah Vonleh.
Vonleh, 18, completed his freshman year with the Indiana Hoosiers and worked out with the Jazz Monday. Here are some strengths he can bring to the Jazz this upcoming season if drafted:
Vonleh's size gives him the ability to compete with bigger guys. He stands at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan of 7-foot-4. At Monday's workout he said this "gives guys trouble." And he's right. Vonleh crashes the boards and was first in the Big Ten in rebounding and eighth in blocked shots. His length makes him a great defender who can compete with NBA players.
He did most of his work on the perimeter, so it was good to see him having some back to the basket moves that he picked up at Indiana because he can play both inside and outside.
–Walt Perrin
Versatility also stands on his side. He played on the outside in high school and proved to be a competitor at small forward. Indiana used him more on the inside. Vonleh mastered both sides of the game and can offer his athleticism in either way.
"He did most of his work on the perimeter, so it was good to see him having some back to the basket moves that he picked up at Indiana because he can play both inside and outside," Utah Jazz Vice President of Player Personnel Walter Perrin said about Vonleh's transition from high school to Indiana.
While Vonleh still has some polishing to do on the offensive end of the game, he's a player who will fight to get to the hoop. He has a strong left and right hook shot. He also proves his abilities on the outside as a three-point shooter.
Vonleh is young and his raw talents offer him a unique opportunity and advantage. He can learn from the best by playing with the best. His ability to improve and adjust to a higher level at such a young age gives him potential to be a great player who will just keep getting better.
