Utah Jazz: Four Under the Radar Draft Prospects

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Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Weber State Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy (21) celebrates during the second half of the game in the first round against the Xavier Musketeers in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Bolomboy – PF, Weber State

Of the four players listed here, Joel Bolomboy might be the least under the radar of the bunch; he’s already finding himself on a number of mock drafts. The six-foot-nine power forward out of Weber State just finished up his senior year but was considered an NBA prospect well before that. His frame certainly appears NBA ready and the former Wildcat is strong at the rim both defensively as well as finishing offensively.

He put up a solid stat line in his senior season averaging, 17.1 points and an impressive 12.1 rebounds per game. He also shot a respectable three-point percentage as a big man, finishing the year at 36.4 percent. He is a good post-up player, passes well, protects the rim and has an improving jump shot.

It’s no coincidence that he was named the Big Sky MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

In terms of his fit with the Jazz, his role largely would depend on what the Jazz decide to do during the offseason with Trevor Booker. While adding Bolomboy alongside standout rookie Trey Lyles and the veteran Booker might be a bit of an overkill in the frontcourt, there’s definitely potential for change.

If the Jazz decide to part ways with Booker and entrust Lyles with the second unit duties, then adding Bolomboy would provide a solid third option at power forward who certainly would have room for improvement and growth.

Bolomboy’s willingness to play at the smaller Weber State is proof that playing in an appropriate and comfortable environment is more important to him than hype or name recognition associated with bigger schools or bigger markets. This definitely is a positive for the Jazz as Bolomboy will be accustomed to living in Utah and has the opportunity to be hailed as a sort of “hometown hero” as a member of the Jazz.

If Utah can provide a comfortable and successful situation for Joel, it is likely that he will be happy to stay put in Salt Lake City over the long term.

His selection largely depends on what the Jazz decide to do at power forward and whether or not he is still on the board once they begin their second round picks. Regardless of how things shake out, Bolomboy is a skilled and talented pick that Utah should certainly consider if he is still available.

If they do end up choosing him, they can only hope that perhaps he turns out to be as formidable as the last “under the radar” pick out of Weber State, Damian Lillard.

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