Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg wants to showcase shooting in draft workouts

USA Today

3 days ago

Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg wants to showcase shooting in draft workouts
Ben Gregg had a down year shooting last season, and the former Gonzaga forward has made that a point of emphasis in workouts ahead of the 2025 NBA draft.
Gregg averaged 9.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 35 games as a fifth-year senior with the Bulldogs. He ranked 10th in the country in 2-point field-goal percentage (72.9) and ninth in the West Coast Conference in offensive rebounds (67).
The 6-foot-10 standout shot 27.1% from 3-point range on two attempts per game this past season after converting 37.7% from beyond the arc over the previous two seasons. He wants to show teams that he can be a consistent floor spacer at the next level.
"I think my numbers, I struggled last year," Gregg said Tuesday after working out with the Portland Trail Blazers. "My 3-point numbers were a little down last year, so I just want to prove that I can still shoot the ball, and it was kind of an off-year for me."
Gregg finished in double figures 13 times last season, with four 20-point performances. He tied a season-high with 24 points on a perfect 10-of-10 shooting from the field in a win over Portland on Jan. 25, becoming the ninth player in conference history with 10 made shots without a miss.
The 22-year-old is also working to improve his defensive abilities to better guard smaller players. He understands that skill set will be required to get on the court at the next level.
"Obviously, defense I need to improve is the biggest feedback (from teams), being able to guard quicker guys," Gregg said. "Guys at this level are so fast and athletic, so just being able to stay in front of quicker guys has been the main thing for me."
Gregg said his workout with the Trail Blazers on Tuesday was his fifth this draft cycle. He is scheduled to visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, with additional stops to be scheduled over the next three weeks, before the draft on June 25-26.
The former Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year isn't currently projected to be selected this year, although he isn't getting caught up in mock drafts or things beyond his control. He wants to stay prepared for his next workout and continue to improve both on and off the court.
"I'm running my own race right now," Gregg said. "I'm not really focused on the number where I'm getting drafted, where I get drafted to or if I get picked up (as) a free agent after the draft. I'm just kind of running my own race, and whatever happens, happens. Everything happens for a reason; it's God's plan. I'm taking it day by day and enjoying the process."