Noah Vonleh was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and voted third team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media at Indiana. He led the conference in rebounding (9.0), finished third in field-goal percentage (52.3) and eighth in blocked shots (1.4). The Massachusetts native was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on seven occasions, tied for second most in a single season since the award started in 2010-11.
On Wednesday, June 4, Vonleh was one of 12 prospects to go through a pre-draft workout in front of Lakers brass at the team's practice facility. PHOTO GALLERY
Below is a transcription of his comments to assembled media members:
Q: On what it would mean to him to be a Laker:
Vonleh: It would mean a lot. The Lakers were one of my favorite teams growing up, watching Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and the great players they had over the years. They were winning championships. When I think of the Lakers, I think of a championship program. I think if they get the right pieces, they can get to that championship level.
Q: On what the workout consisted of today:
Vonleh: It was a pretty good workout. We did some ballhandling, post moves, moves off the dribble into different finishes, played 2-on-2, 3-on-3, ended with shots – midrange, three-pointers, one dribble pull-ups.
Q: On what he’s trying to show in these workouts:
Vonleh: I’m trying to show my versatility, showing I can take guys off the dribble, finishing above the rim, footwork in the post when I have a smaller guy, showing I can rebound and things like that.
Q: On any NBA comparisons he’s heard of:
Vonleh: I hear a lot of comparisons to Chris Bosh and LaMarcus Aldridge. I see similarities but I think I do things different.
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Pre-Draft Workout
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Vonleh had the second-longest wingspan (7 feet, 4.25 inches) among all 60 prospects participating at the NBA Draft Combine, behind Isaiah Austin's 7-foot, 4.5-inch wingspan. Vonleh also boasted the largest height-to-wingspan differential (8 feet, 0.25 inches) and measured the biggest hands in terms of length (9 feet, 0.75 inches) and width (11 inches, 0.75 inches). His hand width was second best all-time behind Greg Smith, who measured 12 inches.
Other NBA Draft Combine Measurements
Lane Agility Time: 11.45 seconds
Shuttle Run: 3.29 seconds
Three Quarter Sprint: 3.28 seconds
Standing Vertical Leap: 31.0 inches
*Vonleh did not participate in the drills portion at the NBA Draft Combine.