Jazz Rookies Feel Blessed for NBA Shot
Jun 28, 2019, 11:33 AM | Updated: 11:34 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — What a week for the three newest members of the Utah Jazz. Last Thursday, they heard their names called in the NBA draft fulfilling a lifelong dream of making it to the league.
One week later, the trio were introduced to the media and each shared one word when talking about their opportunity – blessed.
They’re blessed to be drafted, blessed to sign autographs for young fans, and blessed to have an opportunity in the league.
It still doesn’t feel real.
“This last week has felt like a dream, it’s very unreal,” said Justin Wright-Foreman who was picked 53rd. “I’m just feeling extremely blessed and honored to be here.”
“This last week has been one of the best of my life, it’s been life changing for sure,” added Miye Oni, the 58th pick. “I’m blessed and happy to be here in Salt Lake City.”
“I’m blessed to be around some good guys,” added 50th pick Jarrell Brantley. “Once my agent called me and told me they traded up for me, that meant a lot to me.”
Welcome to the fam, gents.#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/B6vfijUIgP
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 27, 2019
Even though they’re “in the league”, they still have to prove they belong. Being taken in the second round doesn’t guarantee a contract, but with a number of open roster spots, there is a great opportunity.
The Jazz organization have a track record of developing “diamonds in the rough” with players like Joe Ingles, Georges Niang, and Royce O’Neale. With the assets the Jazz traded to acquire the rights to Brantley and Oni (2021 second round pick & $1 million for Brantley, $2 million for Oni) , it looks like they believe they have found two more.
“We really love to work,” added Brantley. “It’s a blessing and we’ll continue to grind on this journey and hopefully all three of us can crack this roster.”
The first step in the journey begins next week at Summer League. The Jazz are hosting a four-team event from July 1st-July 3rd at Vivint Smarthome Arena before heading south to Las Vegas Summer League.
Utah plays it’s first game on Monday at 7PM against the Grizzlies Summer League team.
