Jake Odum is getting an opportunity to play for his hometown team, at least for the summer. The Terre Haute South product informed the Pacers Friday morning that he will join their Summer League squad, Sam Porter, his agent, told VigilantSports.com.
Odum fielded numerous Summer League invites but ultimately decided on the Pacers because it’s a spot where he should get a real opportunity at point guard and not compete against someone with guaranteed money. Pacers third-string point guard Donald Sloan, who has a non-guaranteed deal for next season, is also slated to play on the team.
The 23-year-old worked out for the Pacers on June 12th and said afterwards that it was “an honor.”
He also went through workouts for Sacramento, Utah, Memphis, Los Angeles (Lakers), New York, Detroit, Toronto, and Orlando. Odum, according to Porter, felt like his workout in front of Pacers execs was one of his best.
“I just want to show them that I’m improving on all parts of my game,” Odum said after his workout in Indy. “I can pass the ball. I feel like I’m a smart player on the floor. Just showing that my shooting is improving and my strength is improving as well, and that I can compete with anybody out here on the floor.”
Playing for the Pacers will be special, there’s no denying that, but he felt that competing on their Summer League team made the most sense and gave him the best opportunity to show that he’s a true point guard. The Pacers will compete in the Orlando Summer League from July 5-11. From there, Odum may join another team for the Las Vegas Summer League, or listen to offers to play overseas.
Odum, a four-year standout at Indiana State, averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds as a senior. He shot 42.6 percent from the field, including 31.4 percent from long distance.
Watch highlights of Odum below:
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Terre Hautes Jake Odum added to Pacers Summer League roster | Vigilant Sports…