Trevion Williams, Jared Rhoden Discuss What They Offer Jazz
May 26, 2022, 5:55 PM
Purdue product Trevion Williams works out for the Utah Jazz before the NBA draft (Photo: Utah Jazz)
(Photo: Utah Jazz)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz held their first pre-draft workout on Thursday as they prepare for June’s NBA Draft.
Though the Jazz don’t have any picks currently, they’ll do their due diligence on prospects in case the opportunity presents itself to trade back into the draft.
The Jazz first draft workout included UConn’s R.J. Cole, Wichita State’s Tyson Etienne, UCLA’s Johnny Juzang, Australia’s Akoldah Gak, Seton Hall’s Jared Rhoden, and Purdue’s Trevion Williams.
Both Rhoden and Williams spoke after the workout, while Juzang and Etienne were unavailable for the media session due to their ability to withdraw from the draft and return to college.
The @utahjazz will host their first #NBADraft workout tomorrow.
Here's a look at the 6 prospects they're bringing in. #TakeNote https://t.co/SkXZauIg2T
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) May 26, 2022
Jared Rhoden: Guard – Seton Hall
Jared Rhoden is a 6-6 guard from Seton Hall and earned an invite to the combine after a strong showing at the Portsmouth Invitational.
“I’m a long wing, I’m someone who’s active on both sides of the ball,” Rhoden said. “Utilizing my energy and my activeness to affect the game.”
The guard played four seasons at Seton Hall and averaged 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting.
“What I’ve been hearing is to work on my game, becoming a little bit more consistently,” Rhoden said of his feedback from teams like the Jazz. “More consistent shooting the three-ball, someone who could just be deadly on that end.”
Danny Ainge was in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine where the @utahjazz spoke to WCC standouts Drew Timme and Jalen Williams, @kslsports has learned. #TakeNote https://t.co/lC2YXzeyBu
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) May 20, 2022
Rhoden is more of a scorer at this point in his career and will need to develop his playmaking if he wants to stick in the NBA.
The guard also interviewed with the Jazz at the combine last weekend and is projected to go either undrafted or late in the second round.
Trevion Williams: Center – Purdue
Trevion Williams is likely the highest-rated of the players that visited the Jazz in their first workout.
Williams, a 6-10 senior, is one of the better passing big men in the draft dishing out 3.0 assists per game and brings toughness after averaging 7.0 rebounds during his college career.
Was helpful to see Trevion Williams get a lot of shots up at the Octagon Pro Day in Chicago. Has pretty nice touch for a guy who didn't take many 3s in college. Has elite footwork and is arguably the best passing big man in this draft. pic.twitter.com/BwZSSYg0Vv
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 22, 2022
“I’ve watched Magic Johnson and Larry Bird guys like that,” Williams said of how he learned to pass. “Like, Draymond Green, just being that facilitator at the top of the key.”
Similar to Green, Williams plays below the rim and had poor shot-blocking numbers with the Boilermakers.
The Purdue big man is projected as a late second-round pick.
