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SALT LAKE CITY — In just six days, we’ll learn the identity of the Utah Jazz’s latest pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Former Wichita State star Fred Van Vleet would like to hear his name with that spot.
Van Vleet on Friday was among the latest of 88 players brought in to the Zion’s Bank Basketball Center in recent weeks, though he’s not likely to be selected with the Jazz’s lottery pick next week.
That didn’t stop him from proving to be an intriguing player and make Utah management take a closer look. The 6-foot scorer shot 48 percent from the field in college, and 39 percent from 3-point range. Averaging four assists per game in his four-year career with the Shockers, Van Vleet may be best remembered locally for hitting a 3-pointer to force overtime two years ago against the Utes.
“I don’t have anything to show them they don’t already know. I’m just reaffirming everything they know about me: I’m a winner, a competitor and a good teammate. I’m just going to come in here, do what I do, and hopefully I’ll leave a good impression.”
If Van Vleet goes undrafted, he’ll still be looking for a spot on a summer league team or free agent contract. And with his good memories in Salt Lake City … why not?
