This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The wait was long, but well worth it for Joel Bolomboy as the Utah Jazz drafted the reigning Big Sky Player of the Year and Weber State senior in the second round with its 52 nd overall pick.
Bolomboy became the first Wildcats player taken since the Portland Trailblazers selected Damian Lillard in 2012.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.1 points and 12.6 rebounds as a senior and earned Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2014 and 2016.
ESPN's Chad Ford called Bolomboy, "arguably the most athletic prospect overall." At the NBA Draft Combine, Bolomboy posted a fifth-best 40.5-inch vertical.
As soon as the pick was made, Lillard took to Twitter to welcome his fellow Weber State graduate.
Congrats to my fellow Weber State brother Joel bolomboy!! #WeAreWeber #WeberNation
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 24, 2016
Great person, and deserves this opportunity... Really happy for him and his family. #HeWorkedForIt https://t.co/87ARrw5cbW
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 24, 2016
hkim@sltrib.com
Twitter: @HayDayKim