The Utah Jazz had some familiar names participate in Round 2 of their pre-draft workouts on Tuesday. We take a closer look at Jock Landale, Caleb Martin, Kenneth Ogbe, Trevon Bluiett, Jaylen Barford and Dwight Coleby here.
Jazz VP of Player Personnel Walt Perrin speaks to media following Tuesday’s workout.
Jock Landale – Saint Mary’s / C / 6’11”
21.1 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 2.0 APG
Some Jazz fans are already familiar with this double-double machine out of St. Mary’s. Landale had his way with BYU in his time at SMC, averaging 29ppg in his three matchups with the Cougars in 2017-18. The 6-11 All-American was a two-time All-WCC performer and finalist for the Naismith Trophy. An old-school big man, Landale uses his impressive footwork and low-post moves to score in the half-court often, but has the shooting poitentional to possibly turn into a reliable stretch four in the NBA. A good passer and ball-mover, too, Landale’s faults only really come on the defensive end. He’s an underwhelming athlete at the NBA level and struggles defending the P&R, something that NBA teams will have to consider.
Prediction: Late second-round
Caleb Martin – Nevada / F / 6’7”
18.7 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 2.7 APG
Caleb Martin and his twin brother, Cody, are both testing the waters with the NBA Draft after they led Nevada on their 2016 Sweet Sixteen run. Martin is a versatile wing with good size. A relatively late-bloomer, Martin had a breakout junior season that showcased his NBA potential and culminated in a memorable NCAA Tournament run. Martin is a guy with a great motor and well-equipped offensive arsenal. With some internal NBA development and some added quickness, he could blossom into a solid wing in the Association.
Prediction: Late second-round
Kenneth Ogbe – Utah Valley / G / 6’6”
13.7 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 1.5 APG
The 6-6 German product didn’t know about the workout until his friend, former Utah teammate Austin Eastman, woke him up this morning after Ogbe’s calls went unanswered. He said he had 35 minutes to make it to the Jazz practice facility. As VP of Player Walt Perrin said, the Jazz were impressed by Ogbe’s NBA-ready body and shooting stroke. The UVU standout won’t likely be hearing his name called on draft day, but a good workout like this mornings could possibly land him a training camp or Summer League look, something Ogbe expressed his interest in.
Prediction: Undrafted
Ogbe joined the Bill Riley Show following his workout:
Trevon Bluiett – Xavier – G / 6’6”
19.3 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 2.5 APG
A 2018 consensus All-American, Bluiett led Xavier in scoring and rebounding at 19.3ppg and 5.5rpg in 2017-18. Finishing his career second all-time on Xaviers scoring list with 2,261 points, Bluiett is a versatile and consistent scorer. Not an overwhelming athlete, his best weapon is his jumpshot. Able to hit from anywhere on the floor, his stroke draws a lot in intrigue from NBA teams. His explosiveness is what draws concern, though. Bluiett was able to get by defensively in the NCAA, but he may struggle with guarding more athletic wings in the NBA.
Prediction: Late second-round
Jaylen Barford – Arkansas / G / 6’3”
17.9 PPG | 3.9 RPG | 2.5 APG
A community college transfer from Jackson, Tennessee, Jaylen Barford was an All-SEC performer for Arkansas in 2017-18. Barford led the Razorbacks in scoring this past season and was among the most prolific players in the SEC. He can get hot in a hurry and really light up a scoreboard, but is often times considered a ‘streaky’ shooter who sometimes takes ill-advised shots. At 6-3, Barford is a little undersized for an NBA swing man and isn’t a true point guard. He’ll have to become a better facilitator to find a role in the league. Defensively, Barford is an exceptional athlete who locks in on one-on-one matchups but finds himself ball-watching away from the action. A talented and uber-athletic guard with a lot of intangibles, Barford has the potential to be solid role player with some NBA development.
Prediction: Late/Undrafted
Dwight Coleby – WKU / F / 6’9”
11.0 PPG | 8.0 RPG | 1.7 BLK
The big fella out of Western Kentucky showed some Jazz fans what he can do when he went head-to-head with the Runnin’ Utes in the NIT tournament this March. Coleby did what he always does when he tallied 10 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks against the Utes. If he finds a home in the NBA, it’ll be in the same role as the one he played in college – getting defensive stops and cleaning up the offensive glass.
Prediction: Undrafted
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The Jazz will hold their third round of pre-draft workouts tomorrow, May 23rd welcoming some big names; Keita Bates-Diop, Chimezie Metu, Shamorie Ponds, Mustapha Heron, Matt Mobley and PJ Washington.
