Virginia forward Darion Atkins worked out for the Utah Jazz on Thursday as teams prepare for the NBA Draft in June. He joined Wisconsin’s Traevon Jackson and others according to reports.
Atkins is trying to impress teams in hopes of finding a landing spot in the league. He shined at the Portsmouth Invitational in April with averages of 20 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks. That created some momentum for Atkins heading into the pre-draft period. Initially, he wasn’t even invited to the PIT, much less be considered a draft prospect. After that performance, however, more opportunities began to arrive. Whitelaw Reid at The Daily Progress reported that the Jazz and Spurs would be giving the Cavalier forward workout looks early this month.
Only college seniors are allowed to work out for teams before the NBA draft lottery on May 19. While Atkins remains a fringe draft prospect, these workouts aren’t just about trying to sneak into the second round. The workouts are providing a chance to make an impression and possibly land on a summer league roster or in training camp next fall.
Atkins helped UVa win its second straight ACC Regular Season title and post a 30-4 record this past season. He earned honors as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year (media association) and the National Defensive Player of the Year (Lefty Driesell). He told reporters (click here for audio from ESPN 700 in Utah) after the Jazz workout that defense is his strength as he prepares to play professionally.
“That comes naturally to me,” Atkins told reporters about his defense. “I pride myself on that. … It’s something I take seriously. I come from a defensive program under Tony Bennett.”
Here’s one example of that defense from Atkins that someone turned into a Vine video:
Atkins also praised Virginia strength coach Mike Curtis for preparing players. Curtis, who worked for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, has been a key piece of the Hoos’ resurgence under Bennett.
“I’ve been working hard on my game and building my body up physically and mentally,” Atkins told reporters. “I come from a great coaching staff and great training support system. Coach Mike Curtis, our strength and conditioning coach, gets us right in terms of agility, speed, and being able to make us more athletic. I think it’s turning out good for me right now.”
