The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Four Under the Radar Draft Prospects

By Jared Woodcox

Dec 22, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Weber State Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma Sooners forward Khadeem Lattin (12) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Weber State Wildcats forward Joel Bolomboy (21) dunks the ball against Oklahoma Sooners forward Khadeem Lattin (12) during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles the ball while guarded by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) during the first half of the First Four of the NCAA men
Mar 15, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Fred VanVleet (23) dribbles the ball while guarded by Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) during the first half of the First Four of the NCAA men /

Fred VanVleet – PG, Wichita State

While not necessarily putting up the most impressive stat lines in the NCAA, VanVleet possesses some important point guard characteristics, namely intelligence and savvy leadership. The six-foot point guard out of Wichita State was an anchor for a team that consistently outperformed expectations.

As a solid passer and reliable decision maker, VanVleet helped lead his team to NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his years at Wichita State, including the Final Four during his freshman year and the Sweet Sixteen as a junior. Needless to say, VanVleet knows how to win.

VanVleet averaged 12.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, but was capable of going off for big scoring nights when the situation was right. In 2015-16 he posted seven games of 16 points or more including a 29-point and 32-point explosion against Indiana State and Evansville, respectively.

In other words, VanVleet excels at making the right basketball plays night in and night out, whether that means being a scorer, facilitator or a little bit of both. VanVleet is a solid point guard in every aspect of the position.

And it’s no secret that a trustworthy point guard is precisely what the Jazz need. Some might criticize the Jazz for adding a fifth point guard to the roster, but none of them has truly proven to be the long-term answer for Utah. While it isn’t likely that VanVleet would be ready to come in and immediately assume that responsibility, his natural talent and intelligence are a good sign for a potentially bright future.

With Trey Burke likely on his way out, Shelvin Mack having a limited amount of room for growth and Dante Exum still largely a question mark, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the Jazz to add a talented point guard who knows how to make his teammates better and who has proven capable of leading his team to victory.

Fred VanVleet definitely has the capability to become a second round gem that could have a long-term positive impact on his future team.

Next: Josh Adams