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Marcus Paige knows better than most that getting the shot isn't the end of the journey.
In April, the North Carolina guard was hanging in the air, double-clutching and somehow knocking down a tying 3-pointer in the national championship game. It's a highlight that has been watched over and over since. And Paige might have watched it more too if, mere moments after sinking the shot, he wasn't covered in confetti as Villanova celebrated the game-winning 3 on the other end of the court.
"It's that moment that you feel like you have it," Paige said Wednesday, dressed in a fresh, white Utah Jazz polo shirt, "and it just gets taken away."
The Jazz introduced new rookies Paige, former Cal point guard Tyrone Wallace and former Weber State forward Joel Bolomboy to reporters Wednesday at Vivint SmartHome Arena.
All three players were second-round picks last week. All three were elated to hear their names called. And, just ask Paige, all three know there's work to be done if they want to make that feeling last.
Bolomboy was at home in Texas on draft night and had hoped to hear his name called late in the first or early in the second round. Instead he waited until the Jazz picked at No. 52.
"At the end of the day, it's good to go somewhere you're wanted," he said. "Talking to the coaches and general manager, I could tell they really wanted me here. They see a future for me."
Paige followed at No. 55. Wallace, meanwhile, had to wait until the 60th pick of the draft before his family and friends started jumping up and down in celebration.
"Everybody wants their name called," he said Wednesday. "You're sitting there pick after pick. You're waiting, but it was well worth the wait."
With his athleticism, improved jump shot and knack for rebounding, the 6-foot-9 Bolomoboy believes he has a "great chance at making the roster" and said he was happy to land with the Jazz, just a short drive down the freeway from where he has spent the past four years.
"I pretty much have a family here," he said.
Things could be tougher for Wallace and Paige, who will find themselves fighting for the opportunity in a crowded backcourt picture. The Jazz already have five other point guards under contract, and last year's second-round pick, Olivier Hanlan, will be a part of the point guard mix during summer league.
"I think it's a very important time for me and the other two guys as well," Paige said. "There are some established players on the team. It's a guard-heavy roster. But I'm trying to make it in the league and show what I'm capable of."
Wallace, a 6-5 point guard, has the tools to be a solid defender but must improve his shooting to make a roster.
"I'm just going to come in and work as hard as I can," he said. "Everything else is out of my hands. The only thing I can control is how hard I work."
Paige is a smaller guard at 6-1 and 165 pounds, but the 22-year-old said he believes his improved shot and pick-and-roll savvy will get him into the NBA, even if that means a detour through the D-League.
"Obviously they have a bunch of great guards here that have proved themselves at the NBA level," he said. "I'm just trying to come in and take advantage of whatever opportunity I'm given, work my butt off, and see what happens. It might not happen right away, but that doesn't matter. It's not going to deter me."
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