Gonzaga Basketball: Killian Tillie signed by Memphis Grizzlies as UDFA
Ed Stein
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After getting passed over in the 2020 NBA Draft, former Gonzaga basketball star Killian Tillie signed a free agent contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Well, Killian Tillie will have to make it in the NBA the hard way. It’s unfathomable that one of Gonzaga basketball‘s brightest stars of late wasn’t one of the 60 players drafted on Wednesday night.
Based on talent alone Tillie was a first-round pick. Last season, he averaged 13.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. On several nights, Tillie was coach Mark Few’s best player. Additionally, he shot an even 40 percent from three-point range. It was the fourth straight season he eclipsed the 40 percent mark.
Unfortunately, talent is the only factor when drafting a player. In four years with the Zags, Tillie missed 38 games with ailments such as a stress fracture in his ankle, knee surgery, and torn foot ligaments. That was enough to scare away potential teams from selecting him.
Earn it
Instead of getting drafted, Tillie signed a two-way rookie free agent contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a low risk/ high reward acquisition for the Griz. Since there is no NBA Summer League, the 6-10 French import will have to go old school and win a roster spot in training camp. With his size and shooting ability, Tillie has a good shot making it.
When camp opens on December 1, these are some of the players Tillie is in competion with to earn a roster spot.
- John Konchar, G, 24-years-old – 2019-20 season: 19 games, 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.2 assist-per-game.
- Anthony Tolliver, F, 35 – 2019-20 season: 17 games, 3.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assist-per-game.
- Marko Guduric, G, 25 – 2019-20 season: 44 games, 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.0 assist-per-game.
- Jontay Porter, F/ C, 21 – Did not play an NBA game in 2019-29.
- Yuta Watanabe, F, 26 – 2019-20 season: 20 games, 2.0 points, 1.1 rebounds, 0.3 assist-per-game.
- Jahlil Tripp, F/ G, 23 – UDFA, Pacific University.
- Sean McDermott, F, 23 – UDFA, Butler University.
Not exactly an all-star cast.
How do you think Killian Tillie will do in Memphis? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.