A new Utah Jazz addition enjoys a few features that point to NBA potential.
This week, the Utah Jazz signed Derrick Alston Jr., a 6-foot-9 lengthy wing who went undrafted at July’s NBA Draft after playing four seasons at Boise State and earning All-Mountain West First Team honors.
Judging from a text he sent the Idaho Statesman, Alston is giddy about the opportunity:
"“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Jazz franchise. They are a first-class organization from top to bottom. Their record of player development is second to none, and the attributes that they most value in their players align perfectly with my skill set. I’m ready to get to work!”"
A future Utah Jazz contributor?
As a college senior, Derrick Alston Jr. became a fairly efficient high-volume 3-point shooter. He knocked down 38.2 percent of his 6.4 attempts per game from downtown while averaging 17.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Also, he should boast a high basketball IQ as the namesake son of the current Westchester Knicks head coach in the G League. After starring at Duquesne, Derrick Alston Sr. was a solid backup center for two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers in the mid-1990s.
Seeing that insiders seem to believe Derrick Alston Jr.’s deal is just of the Exhibit 10 variety, there’s no telling if he’ll be on the Jazz roster when opening day arrives. In other words, all he has at this juncture is a training camp invite.
But as a former walk-on at Boise State, it’s safe to say the 23-year-old is capable of surprising folks.
Utah’s training camp begins on Sept. 28. Preseason tips on Oct. 4 in a road contest against the San Antonio Spurs. And the regular season gets underway on Oct. 20 when the team hosts the Oklahoma City Thunder.