Step by step, Josh Scott is gradually turning basketball from his passion to his profession.
With his senior season with the Colorado Buffaloes now squarely behind him and graduation just around the corner, Scott has spent the better part of the past month getting ready for his first set of job interviews.
In Scott’s case, that means attempting to pique the interest of NBA general managers.
“All the feedback I’ve gotten so far has just talked about wanting to see if I can shoot the ball,” Scott said. “They want to see how my defense is. It’s all the little things I’ve been working on right now. It’s kind of nice having basketball be your job. It’s kind of just a wait-and-see process now.”
A first-team All-Pac-12 Conference selection this past season, Scott completed his CU career ranked eighth all-time in scoring, third in total rebounds and second in blocked shots. For his career, Scott shot .519 from the floor while compiling a solid .769 mark at the free throw line.
Yet most NBA mock drafts have Scott outside the two-round selection process, leaving the 6-foot-10 forward hoping to make enough of an impression to earn a free-agent tryout. Some scouts have expressed concern at Scott’s floor-bound game and inability to play above the rim, but his shooting touch, savvy skills as a rebounder (7.9 career average) and impeccable work ethic all are factors that will play into Scott’s favor.
His strength clearly is not being questioned, as Scott says he has not been asked once about the back troubles that cost him eight games as a junior.
“It’s just all about keeping my body healthy and my mind healthy,” Scott said. “The next two months are going to be crazy. It’s a little different than college students that know exactly where they’re going right when they graduate. Not like me. Something is going to happen, I just don’t know where that’s going to happen. I’m excited and ready to go.”
Scott reports that he has hired an agent, and he is zeroing in on completing his degree in sociology. He continues to work out with the Buffs while utilizing every resource offered by head coach Tad Boyle and his staff.
“The first part is picking an agent and finding the right person to represent you,” Boyle said. “The second part is just support. Whatever I can do to help him as he moves forward, I’m here. The biggest thing is to just let him know we support him and love him.
“I’ve always said you can’t talk your way into the NBA. Your reputation doesn’t get you into the NBA … it might get you in the NBA, but it won’t keep you there. You’ve got to play your way into the NBA. Josh knows that and he looks at it as a challenge to play his way onto a team and play his way into that league.”
Pat Rooney: rooneyp@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/prooney07
