Before Azuolas Tubelis went through a job interview with Indiana Pacers on Monday, the former Arizona standout was aware he had a potentially helpful connection.
So when asked after his workout about Bennedict Mathurin, his former UA teammate who became one of the NBA's top rookies while playing for Indiana, Tubelis grinned. Β
βHe talked great about me. Of course he did,β Tubelis said, during a video posted by Pacers.com βIf he wouldnβt, you know, we would talk differently.β
Tubelis said he texted Mathurin a picture to show he was working out with the Pacers, and that Mathurin wished him luck. Then, when Tubelis jokingly let Mathurin know he was taking his shoes and moving them around the locker room, Mathurin responded playfully.
βHe started to (say), `Donβt touch my stuff. I'm a superstar around here,β β Tubelis said. βHe likes to joke a lot now with that deep voice and serious face. But heβs a funny guy. I love him and Iβm proud of him.β
Now a projected to become a second-round pick or one of the top undrafted players in the June 21 NBA Draft, Β Tubelis said playing college basketball helped him adjust to the speed of the game in the U.S. He also credited his teammates for helping him become the Wildcatsβ leading scorer last season. Tubelis averaged 19.8 points while shooting 57.0% from the field.
βI think it's just not me individually trying to score,β Tubelis said. βMy teammates created shots for me (and also they came) with my hustle making plays. I just play hard and it kind of goes in. Then you see itβs like 20 points (in the) same game.β
During his workout Monday, Tubelis said he showed scouts in person the same sorts of things he became known for at UA.
βI tried to show that I'm unselfish player,β Tubelis said. βI love to run the floor, make easy baskets. I love to rebound, just play hard. And I love playing with my teammates and make them make open shots.β
Tubelis worked out with former Indiana standout Trayce Jackson-Davis, whom he helped hold to 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting in UA's win over Indiana on Dec. 10 in Las Vegas last season.
Tubelis complemented Jackson-Davis on his improvements since then, smiling when he noted in an interview with local media that "he got better because of me."
Similarly, Tubelis said he also helped Mathurin get better, noting that he set Mathurin up for shots.
"He couldn't dribble the ball back then. Now he does," Tubelis said, drawing chuckles. "We're seeing how much work he puts in here. I'm proud of him."
As of now, the Pacers hold five picks in the 2023 draft: Nos. 7, 26, 29, 32 and 55.
