San Antonio Spurs Rookie Stephon Fortress is off to a scorching begin at coaching camp, and the fourth total choose within the NBA draft is impressing his teammates alongside the best way, together with Chris Paul.
Fortress was named a Large East Freshman of the 12 months final season after averaging 11.1 factors, 4.7 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists on 47.2 p.c capturing from the sphere at UConn. He totaled 36 factors, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in two Last 4 video games to assist the Huskies win their second straight title.
This system helped ship a number of gamers to the NBA underneath Dan Hurley, together with Fortress. Paul stated Friday that he can see that yr in Storrs paying for Fortress early.
Man, Steph is so good. You possibly can at all times inform some gamers after they come into the league how they have been coached in faculty. … You possibly can inform Steph has been effectively educated. The extent of confidence he has can also be superb to see. You solely get that sort of confidence by placing within the work, and that is what he does.
Fortress confirmed his expertise in a small pattern of summer season league after a wrist damage restricted him to a few appearances. He completed averaging 17.3 factors, 5.7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.3 steals on 37% capturing from the sphere between the California Basic and Las Vegas.
The 6-foot-6 guard emerged as a lottery choose attributable to his capacity to play with or with out the ball and his defensive prowess. He initiatives to slot in effectively with the staff as a participant able to taking part in a wide range of roles, offering head coach Gregg Popovich with some roster flexibility.
Fortress had the possibility to get on the sphere with a number of of his new teammates over the summer season and, extra just lately, throughout coaching camp preparations. It’s apparent he makes a robust impression on them.
This text was initially revealed on Rookie Wire: Spurs information: Chris Paul praises Stephon Fortress for his talents and confidence
