Young Runnin’ Rebels audition for Raptors
There was a slight goofiness to the way Rashad Vaughn and Christian Wood fielded questions Wednesday, when they took a breather during their pre-draft workout on the Raptors’ practice court.
Playful chuckles. Ready smiles. Eager answers.
These guys were there to impress. But they were also clearly having a blast.
“It’s a blessing just to be able to go through this process. I just don’t like the airport,” said Vaughn, standing next to Wood amidst a phalanx of journalists.
The young men have climbed the rungs of the basketball ladder together, first as teammates in prep school and again with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV) Runnin’ Rebels this year. Then, in April, they both declared for the June 25 NBA draft, and have since been readying themselves for a spot in the pros. Wednesday’s workout in Toronto was the second NBA audition they’ve done together.
“It’s helped a lot,” said Wood, a lithe 19-year-old forward who just finished his breakout sophomore season. “He knows how I play, I know how he plays . . . Basically, he knows everything about me and I know everything about him, so it definitely helps.” The NBA aspirants showcased their shooting skills and were put through drills before an array of Raptors personnel, including general manager Masai Ujiri and head coach Dwane Casey. It was the second predraft workout for the team this season, and it featured four forwards and two guards: Vaughn, Wood, Norman Powell (UCLA), Duje Dukan (Wisconsin), Darion Atkins (Virginia) and Michale Kyser (Louisiana Tech).
With two weeks until draft day, the Raptors are surveying the field of young talent to figure out who they’ll take with their 20th pick, a prospect who would likely join prospects Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira on the team’s soon-to-be D League team.
Dan Tolzman, Toronto’s director of scouting since 2013, said he’s been impressed with this summer’s draft class. After the Raptors chose Caboclo 20th overall last year, Tolzman said the team isn’t looking for a prospect in a certain position, just the best player available.
“There’s definitely a level of comfort with a good number of players,” he said, adding that it’s hard to predict the needs of the team with potential roster moves in the offing.
“We’re looking for guys that can be contributors for a long time.”
Vaughn and Wood could be two of them. The UNLV prospects are slated to be picked between 20 and 30 in mock drafts, and are considered solid players on both sides of the ball. The knock against Wood is that, with 216 pounds on his lanky, six-foot-11 frame, he needs to bulk up.
“I don’t even care about getting bigger, I want to get stronger,” he said. “But you know, I’m not worried about it at all. I know my game.”
Vaughn, 18, was having a solid year for the Runnin’ Rebels until he was knocked out with a torn meniscus that needed season-ending surgery. On Wednesday, he said he’s feeling “100 per cent.”
But just as important as their oncourt performance, Tolzman said they want players whose personalities gel with the team. And that’s a big part of these draft workouts.
“You get to see what kind of people you’ll be bringing into your locker room and your culture, and you get to see guys fit what we’re looking for,” he said.
For what it’s worth, Wood might have a small leg up on that front. Apparently, he’s a huge Drake fan.