Introduction to Milos Uzan’s Big Decision
This is a big week for Milos Uzan, a week that could change his life forever. He and his dad, Mike Uzan, are in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine, a seven-day event featuring drills, skill tests, scrimmages, measurements, and interviews with teams. Many people think that Milos won’t return to play point guard at the University of Houston, that he’s committed to chasing his NBA dream this upcoming season no matter what. However, Mike Uzan says that’s not the case.
The Condition for Leaving Houston
According to Mike Uzan, they’re only leaving Houston for guaranteed money. "There’s no wish upon a star and hope we get there type of thing, No. It’s got to be guaranteed," he says. Mike Uzan likes the situation at Houston and appreciates Coach Kelvin Sampson and his family. He also mentions that his son treasures Coach Sampson dearly. If the Uzans aren’t given assurances that Milos will get a guaranteed contract if he stays in the draft, he will withdraw his name from the NBA Draft by the NCAA’s May 28th deadline and return to play next season for UH.
The NBA Draft Process
While NBA teams are only required to give guaranteed contracts to first-round picks, second-round picks getting guaranteed money is becoming more common. The top 40 picks in last year’s NBA Draft all received at least two years of guaranteed money. However, only six of the 18 picks between 41 and 58 got guaranteed contracts. Mike Uzan believes that his son’s decision to only enter the NBA Draft, rather than the draft and the NCAA transfer portal, shows his commitment to Houston.
The Milos Uzan Houston Transformation
Milos Uzan is in position to reach his NBA dream and get a guaranteed rookie contract because of his one year at Houston last season. He went from an unproven talent to the point guard of a team that came within a basket of winning the national championship. A strong showing in this week’s NBA Draft Combine could solidify Uzan as a Top 40 pick and give UH another player in the league.
The Sampson Factor
Coach Kelvin Sampson’s next-level player development program has been instrumental in Milos Uzan’s growth. The Sampsons know that putting players in the NBA is a significant sign of an elite program. UH assistant coach Kellen Sampson says, "There’s just got to be a time in your year when guys are allowed to be selfish… We ask these guys to be so selfless from June to April. April and May, they’ve got to be selfish." The Sampsons are supportive of Milos Uzan’s decision to go through the NBA Draft process.
The NBA Draft Workout Plan
Before getting to Chicago, Milos Uzan worked out for the San Antonio Spurs, the Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets. He’s been training and working on his game in Sacramento with trainers from his agency. Milos Uzan shot a career-high 42.8 percent from 3-point range in his one season at Houston, but his team believes he still can become a better shooter.
What’s Next for Milos Uzan
One thing is certain: a team that drafts Milos Uzan will be getting a fierce competitor who’s driven to keep improving. When Milos Uzan completes this NBA Combine Week, he and his dad plan to consult Kelvin Sampson again before making any final decision on staying or withdrawing from the draft. They will lean on Sampson’s deep NBA connections and the plethora of decision-makers in the league who will tell UH’s basketball lifer of a coach the real truth.
Conclusion
This is a monumental week for Milos Uzan, with two potential paths and nothing but good choices. As Kellen Sampson says, "The truth of it is if we’re fortunate enough to get him back, I want him to have zero regrets." Milos Uzan’s future path seems clear, but it’s still open to change. Whatever decision he makes, it’s sure to be an exciting one for this young basketball star.
