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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz Summer League opens Monday, with the first day’s headline event coming at 7 p.m. when the Jazz host the Spurs at Vivint Arena.
That will be a good chance to see how former Weber State post Joel Bolomboy fares against other young NBA hopefuls.
“Just talking to the coaches and general manager, I can tell they wanted me here,” Bolomboy said. “They see a future for me.
“I’m going to come in from day one and work hard, and be the best that I can. Everything else will fall into place.”
His coaches are already taking notice, even after just one practice with the summer league team.
“Joel’s still trying to figure things out, but he held his own,” Jazz Summer League head coach Johnnie Bryant said. “He’s not intimidated, and overall, he’s had a great day.”
Of course Bolomboy won’t be the only recent draft pick making his summer league debut Monday evening. The top overall pick in the draft arrived in Utah after signing his contract Saturday, and Ben Simmons is eager to get to work with his new teammates.
“I just want to get better and get ready to play at that next level and adjust,” Simmons said after practice at the University of Utah. “That’s the biggest thing for me is adjusting to the NBA game."
The former Louisiana State standout grew up in Melbourne, Australia, with Jazz point guard Dante Exum, and he can’t wait to get back on the court that showcased Exum a year ago.
“I just have to play hard,” Simmons said. “I know a lot of people will be coming for me, because I have that No. 1 spot. It’s been that way since high school — everybody’s always wanted to go at me with their best shot. It’s fun. I love getting a challenge.”
