NBA combine suits Jarrod Uthoff just fine

CHICAGO — Former Iowa forward Jarrod Uthoff lacks any pretentiousness about his NBA prospects. He's low-key and deliberate about what he can do for a team in his first season.

'I think my transition in the NBA, I'll be a role player,' Uthoff said after competing at the NBA draft combine Thursday afternoon. 'It's realistic to say that. But I have high expectations for myself, and I don't think there's a ceiling I can put on myself. I think I can, not only play in the NBA, but thrive in the NBA. I'll start out as a role player, but we'll see what happens.'

Nobody on Uthoff's squad had a decent day in a 109-69 shellacking. That included Maryland point guard Melo Trimble, Wichita State shooter Ron Baker and NCAA tournament hero Josh Hart of Villanova. Uthoff finished 3 of 12 from the floor with eight points and four rebounds. He did deliver a powerful two-handed slam with 2:25 left and followed with a jumper one possession later.

But the games are more free-flowing exhibitions designed to accentuate each player's offensive skills. Uthoff's pluses have been on display in workouts, something Indiana's Troy Williams saw multiple times as opponents and for this week as teammates.

'He has a really great skill set,' Williams said. 'He has a really great shot as well. Playing along with him is actually different, but I enjoy it.'

HLAS: Niang offers offense galore at NBA combine

Uthoff, a Marengo native and Cedar Rapids Jefferson graduate, landed on most All-American boards as a third-teamer this year. He ranked second in the Big Ten in scoring (18.9), first in blocked shots (2.7), and tied for 11th in rebounding (6.4). For his three-year Iowa career, Uthoff is 19th in scoring (1,259) and fourth in blocked shots (174).

While wearing shoes, Uthoff measured at 6 feet, 9 3/4 inches at the combine with a 6-11 1/2 wingspan. He weighed at 214.2 pounds with 6 percent body fat. For the last month, he's worked out in Las Vegas at Impact Basketball. He wakes every morning at 6 a.m., trains twice a day and goes to bed at 8:30 p.m. That's hardly the Vegas lifestyle, but it suits Uthoff.

'It's kind of great for me because it's all hot and dry,' Uthoff said. 'There's nothing to do for me. It kind of works out.'

Uthoff's primary focus this off-season is gaining strength and getting used to the NBA 3-point line.

'I can shoot from out there but coming off screens, pick and pop, it's a transition with that extra distance,' Uthoff said.

Uthoff already has had a private workout with the San Antonio Spurs. He has spent between 20 and 30 minutes in interviews with several clubs while in Chicago.

Although he's not picky about his next situation, he has an idea of what type of team for which he'd play.

'I'm a versatile guy so I think I can fit into a multitude of systems,' Uthoff said. 'But I think it would be best if it was an unselfish team. Guys who move the ball and play together. I think I would want to play for that team. I think I would fit in well.'

l Comments: (319) 339-3169; scott.dochterman@thegazette.com