By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jaylen Hoard shared his personal NBA goals with L’ Equipe throwing in his hope to gain more playing time with the Portland Trail Blazers.
“Most believe undrafted players will never make it to the NBA,” he said referring to himself not making the cut in the 2019 draft, “However, I played several games with the Blazers.”
After inking a two-way contract, the former Wake Forest NCAA player appeared in 13 games of the 2019-20 season prior to the hiatus forced by the coronavirus pandemic. He averaged 7.9 minutes per game managing to display 2.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest.
“I played very well in the G League, better than a lot of players that were drafted,” he mentioned commenting on his 16.2 points per match with the Texas Legends, “I was able to focus and build on my desire to succeed.”
“Not being drafted hurt me,” Hoard admitted, “I really want to prove that I deserve my spot and that I can become a great NBA player.”
The 21-year-old French forward is back in the USA after returning home during the pandemic and is looking forward to action to resume as planned.
“I steadily progressed into my role,” he recalled on his early NBA steps, “I proved I can play effectively, put in the work, and handled training in a serious manner.”
“Through my added practice sessions with the coaches, I gained their confidence. My relationship with coach Stotts has improved,” he added, “They like my professional approach.”
The Blazers sitting at 29-37 will have the opportunity through eight additional regular season games to clinch a playoffs berth with the young French upstart aiming to take on any challenge presents itself.
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