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Thomas Walkup can play the game of basketball. That isn't up for much debate.
Anyone who actually followed Stephen F. Austin over the last few years can attest to this. Walkup, at 6-foot-4, is one of those guys who can do a lot on the court. At any given time, he can be the best passer, the best rebounder, or the best ball-handler. He's always been a leader. He's one of those players who simply nets results.
But will that be enough for Walkup to make the NBA? That's the big question.
To make the league, it takes more than talent and know-how. Plenty of players have that in abundance. It takes size for the position, and physical characteristics. And that's where Walkup may fall a bit short.
In college, Walkup played power forward defensively, although he ran Stephen F. Austin's offense on his way to becoming an NCAA Tournament hero. So as he worked out for the Jazz on Thursday morning, his mission was all about convincing those in the Utah organization that he's able to find himself an NBA position.
"I feel like I can play any of the perimeter spots," Walkup said. "I want to be able to prove that I can guard those spots. Every team wants to know if my 3-point shooting has improved. They want to see my competitiveness and grit. I think I'm a combo guard. I think I can guard all of the perimeter positions. I think that's my biggest asset, being able to sit down and defend for 48 minutes."
In order to make it to the NBA level, defense and shooting may end up being Walkup's gatekeepers. There's no question that he can make plays on both ends. There's not much doubt about his leadership ability.
So if he can make shots and defend, and prove that in the pre-draft process, that will help his cause immensely. Walkup wasn't invited to the Chicago pre-draft combine that will take place next week. That's the NBA saying they don't see him as a prospect who will get drafted.
But Jazz scouting guru Walt Perrin did say Walkup performed well in the Portsmouth tournament a few weeks ago, held annually for top seniors, and that should help his cause. Even if he doesn't hear his name on draft night, Walkup is expected to make an NBA summer league roster. That, good workouts, an good showings in settings that matter could help Walkup's cause when it comes to playing in the league.
"There are a lot of guys who made rosters who didn't get invited to Chicago," Walkup said. "So honestly, it just puts a chip on my shoulder. It adds more resolve, and it gives me more motivation."
Thursday's workout featured former Pac-12 star Ryan Anderson, who was Arizona's best big man. The California native transferred out west after originally starting his collegiate career at Boston College.
Perrin said Anderson shot the ball well in a game setting on Thursday. Anderson is a power forward, athletic and a good shooter.
"I enjoyed the workout here," Anderson said. "It was fun coming back to a place where I played in college. I thought transferring to Arizona helped me. The year off humbled me. I got a chance to work on my game and my body.
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