Lakers News: Update on Undrafted Rookie Robert Upshaw
By Eric Yee
Since signing the undrafted rookie from Washington State, fans have been quick to assign “savior-status” to center Robert Upshaw. Here’s the latest on his stint in the D-League.
Tuesday was the D-League’s annual Media Day and LA Times reporter Eric Pincus was able to catch up with Upshaw and bring an update to his situation.
One thing Lakers fans can take immediate solace in, is the fact that Upshaw says he has no intention of playing overseas and has “confidence he’ll get a call up to [the] NBA this season.”
"Overseas is a better opportunity than this one is, financially, but I’m not here for those reasons. I’m here to become a great basketball player and if I have to go through this, I’m going to do it… I’m definitely going to be playing basketball in the NBA. I don’t see myself playing ball overseas for a while. It’s just always been a goal and I’ve never given up, I’ve never quit."
Robert Upshaw not considering overseas - D-Fenders with confidence he'll get a call up to NBA this season
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) November 10, 2015
Despite clearing waivers, Upshaw was never signed by another NBA team raising more questions than answers about his character and ability to play in the NBA. That said, his positive attitude should be an encouraging sign for Lakers fans aboard the Upshaw Hype Train.
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Further, after disciplinary problems at Fresno State and the University of Washington, Upshaw seems to be consciously trying to turn his act around, not only talking the talk, but actually walking the walk. Dropping 25 pounds before leaving the Lakers training camp directly attests to this.
Surprisingly, when asked about who he learned the most from when training with the Lakers, Upshaw’s answer was none other than Robert Sacre.
Upshaw said he learned most from Robert Sacre who never had an off day with attitude and approach to game - also a lot from Tarik Black
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) November 10, 2015
The most insightful thing Upshaw revealed was about his time in college,
"I never really had to work hard. I get to college, I dominated. When I got to college, I was content. Everybody around me was allowing me to do it. They waited till the end to try to fix things"
Through this process, Upshaw appears to be maturing quickly, but like the saying goes, “fool me once…”
If he continues to put in the work, Robert Upshaw already has the physical talents to be a dominant rim protector for years to come. Here’s to hoping that he does just that.
What do you think about Robert Upshaw’s chances to get a call up to the NBA this season? Let us know in the comments below.