Where's Bolomboy? Jazz rookie, D-League all-star impressive in 1st season


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SALT LAKE CITY — Instead of playing "Where's Waldo?" the Utah Jazz are more likely to play "Where's Joel Bolomboy?"

But it's paying off.

The rookie forward from Weber State has been assigned, unassigned and reassigned from the Jazz to their D-League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars 14 times this season.

"Sometimes I lose track of both of the teams' schedules," Bolomboy admitted. "I just have to hop on the phone and see who is playing what and who we are playing. It's confusing at times."

Bolomboy has appeared in nine games for the Jazz in 2016-17, and 19 for the Stars, who play at Salt Lake Community College in Taylorsville. Playing in the D-League is never ideal for any player. But it's giving him something the Jazz can't dish out: playing time.

"We have a really good team and our team is really deep," Bolomboy said. "(The Jazz) told me when I do get my opportunities with the Stars, just show them I can play. Try and lead the guys and use my energy and my motor and go out there and play great defense ... communicate with the guys and try to get every rebound."

Bolomboy can be passed back and forth from the D-League to the NBA as many times as the organization wants — even just for practice.

Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) Utah Jazz forward Joel Bolomboy (21) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) react after a three point shot by Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) as the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings play at Vivint Smart Home arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) Utah Jazz forward Joel Bolomboy (21) and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) react after a three point shot by Utah Jazz guard Raul Neto (25) as the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings play at Vivint Smart Home arena in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016. (Photo: Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

"I think the main thing is, when I come down to the Stars, my teammates look up to me because I come from the Jazz," he said. "If they have questions, they always ask me, and it is like the spotlight is on me. I try not to worry about that; just come in and try to lead the guys and try to play the best of my ability — try and help them win."

All that moving around has been made easier since the Stars moved to Salt Lake City from Boise.

"The best indicator of what Joel is doing is the success he's had in the D-League," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "He's in and out with the team, with us for longer periods. But to me, the D-League is a big part of what we do."

Bolomboy is having as good a rookie campaign as anyone, being named a D-League All-Star in his first season since leading Weber State to a Big Sky Conference championship. He played 14 minutes for the West on All-Star weekend, scoring five points with four rebounds, an assist and a steal while showing off his inside presence and a mid-range game that has improved since the Jazz used a second-round pick on him last summer.

"I think I've made so much progress," the second-round draft pick said. "I remember coming into my Summer League, I was so nervous I didn't know what to expect. I didn't have anything on my mind; I just wanted to go somewhere I was wanted and play at the highest level."

With the Stars, Bolomboy averages 16 points on 55 percent shooting, as well as a D-League-leading 12.9 rebounds per game.

Those numbers earned him a spot on the plane to New Orleans, joining Jazz teammate and NBA all-star Gordon Hayward and Rising Stars participants Trey Lyles and Dante Exum.

Bolomboy credits his teammates for that success.

"I just think I have become a better player overall," he said. "I have learned so much, even the moments I have watched Boris (Diaw) or (Derrick) Favors or Trey; watching them play and picking up little things from them."

Snyder said Bolomboy's progress in his first season as a professional has been astounding.

"Everything we have seen from Joel has been very, very good," Snyder said. "He is starting to show threes there. That is another part and opportunity for him to continue to expand his skill set and his game."

Bolomboy has increased his range, which will play a bigger role for the Jazz — whenever he gets his shot.

"I think it has gotten way better," he said. "I feel more comfortable; I have increased my range and I am able to hit the NBA three now. It's just all about the reps."

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Brittany Copeland

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