The J-Notes
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Mar 2, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys guard Josh Adams (14) waives to the crowd after game against San Jose State Spartans at Arena-Auditorium. The Cowboys beat the Spartans 81-78. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys guard Josh Adams (14) waives to the crowd after game against San Jose State Spartans at Arena-Auditorium. The Cowboys beat the Spartans 81-78. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Adams – PG/SG, Wyoming

Of all the players I’ve described thus far, Josh Adams is by far the most fun to watch and the one I’m most excited about of these four. Wyoming isn’t typically viewed as a team filled with NBA prospects, but after advancing to the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and producing a first round draft pick in Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming’s Adams isn’t a player to be overlooked.

While Nance received a great deal of praise for Wyoming’s success, it was Adams who won the 2015 Mountain West Tournament MVP and the one who in many aspects was the team’s best player for the entirety of his junior year.

In his senior season, there was no question that Adams was the team’s best player and his incredible stat line certainly is evidence of that. He finished 2016 as the third leading scorer in the NCAA with 24.7 points per game. This is even more impressive considering he did so shooting 44.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from deep.

Adams scored 30 points or more nine times during his senior season, including a career-high 38 points against New Mexico on January 16th.

The six-foot-two point guard is an incredible shooter, but an even better driver and finisher. A freak athlete, Adams can leap and score in ways that often defy logic. This also carries over to the defensive end where Adams, despite being somewhat undersized, challenges opponents relentlessly with his speed, strength and athleticism.

To the dismay of those that follow him, Adams decided to opt-out of the NCAA Dunk Contest, but rest assured he definitely would have made some noise. With several SportsCenter Top 10 appearances, the athletic and explosive guard definitely deserves consideration at the professional level.

Adams would fit in with the Jazz as he would be able to come right in and contribute on both ends of the court. With the ability to play both guard positions, he could be a versatile part of a second unit that certainly needs an upgrade.

His non-stop competitiveness would undoubtedly bring a spark to a team that at times lacked focus and energy. Adams’ unique talents and will to win largely overshadow any potential concerns that may surround him. If given the opportunity, the Jazz should take a long hard look at Josh Adams who has all the characteristics of a second round gem.

Next: Utah Jazz: Enes Kanter Tearing it Up, Terry Stotts Coaching

So there you have my take on a few players the Utah Jazz should keep their eyes on as they begin working players out and planning for the draft. Who did I leave out? Are there other under the radar players you’d like to see the Jazz pursue? Feel free to comment below or hit me up on Twitter.