Virginia Tech center Keve Aluma was among numerous college standouts to go undrafted last night, but Aluma will get a NBA chance after signing with the Memphis Grizzlies per Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Virginia Tech's Keve Aluma has agreed to a free agent deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, a source told ESPN. The 6'9 big man was a first-team All-ACC player last season.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 24, 2022
Aluma's signing comes after an impressive career at Virginia Tech where he averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game while shooting 49% from the field, 35.1% from three-point range, and 72.2% from the free-throw line during the 2020-21 season. His strong season led him to earning his first All-ACC honors landing on the Second Team
He followed that up with a more efficient second and final season this past year averaging 15.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 30.8 minutes per game while shooting 53.8% from the field including 33.3% from three-point range plus 78.5% from the free-throw line. This came on his way to earning a second All-ACC Second Team honor for the Hokies.
Aluma is an intriguing NBA prospect who definitely can be a stretch 4 or 5 at the next level given the range that he showed in college. Aluma's offensive efficiency and continued improvement is definitely something that should translate well while he definitely has room to grow defensively and on the glass.
He definitely has the potential to earn a spot on Memphis' roster or at least earn a two-way contract and will have the chance to prove himself in the upcoming Summer League. Aluma has definitely shown the work ethic and drive that should fit well with a gritty Memphis team while his ability to stretch the floor fits well around superstar PG Ja Morant and his tremendous athleticism.
Regardless of what happens next in his career, his Virginia Tech legacy is undoubtedly sealed earning All-ACC honors in both seasons while leading Tech to their fourth and fifth consecutive contested NCAA Tournaments plus their first ACC Tournament title. However, the focus for Aluma is still on earning his spot in the NBA and doing so on one of the NBA's top teams.
