2010 NBA Draft Preview: Ben Uzoh

The Tulsa point guard hopes all of his hard work has earned him a spot on an NBA roster.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:48 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jun 19, 2010 4:13 PM CDT

2010 NBA Draft previews from Oklahoma Sports:
- Latavious Williams
- James Anderson
- Tommy Mason-Griffin
- Tiny Gallon
- Willie Warren
- Ben Uzoh
- Jerome Jordan
- Ekpe Udoh
- Daniel Orton
- Xavier Henry

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – If NBA executives take a chance on former Golden Hurricane standout Ben Uzoh in this Thursday’s draft, they’ll get a guy with just as much heart as talent.

Uzoh played his hardest for Tulsa on every play in college and is one of the more well-rounded state players available. The shifty guard can shoot, pass and defend, and could be a valuable role player for a pro franchise this fall.

“I want to get drafted,” Uzoh said in a phone interview this week. “I want to be a great player in the NBA and go from there.”

Uzoh starred at Tulsa for four seasons under head coach Doug Wojcik. The dynamic guard started every game but one in his career and finished as the only player in school history to rank among the top-10 in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots.

Uzoh was a three-time all-Conference USA selection and shined in league play. He seemed to have a knack for rising to his competition, playing his best when his team needed big baskets against tough opponents.

“I can defend. That’s probably my number one niche card, I would say,” Uzoh explained. “I can rebound, score and be a leader as well. I can run a team, so, I do all of those things well.”

Most NBA mock drafts have Uzoh going undrafted, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know about his talents. Uzoh impressed NBA eyes while playing against other pro-hopefuls in the Portsmouth Invitational in April. Uzoh averaged over 14 points for the third-place Portsmouth Partnership team.

Scouts liked Uzoh’s size, 6-foot-2 ? with a massive 6-foot-9 wingspan, and his gift for scoring. He has ‘fantastic leaping ability and strong overall athletic ability’ and will most likely find his way onto an NBA summer league roster.

“It’s my dream to get in the NBA. I aint in there yet,” insisted Uzoh. “I’m enjoying the process. We’ll know next Thursday whether or not I’ve been doing well in these workouts.”

Uzoh has been living in Los Angeles with former Tulsa teammate Jerome Jordan. The duo has been working out for different teams, including a tandem workout with the Lakers on June 14th. Uzoh says he feels like he is prepared for the biggest day of his basketball life, calling his workouts “pretty good”, and now just has to wait for his phone to ring.

“I don’t really have time to get nervous,” said Uzoh. “I know how to work out. You just want to seize the moment and the opportunity.”

Uzoh finished his career averaging 13.8 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. His 1,951 points ranks fifth on the C-USA all-time scoring list.

The San Antonio, TX native says he plans to watch the draft at home with his family. The NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.