After an up and down collegiate career for Darion Atkins that had its share of trials and tribulations, his fortitude will once again be put to the test as he tries to crack an NBA roster as an undrafted free agent. The former UVA basketball big man agreed to play with the San Antonio Spurs summer league team soon after the conclusion of the NBA Draft.

Although Atkins was disappointed in not being selected in the 2015 NBA Draft, the result was not a surprising one considering his unspectacular college career. Atkins played mostly a reserve role for the Cavaliers during his first three seasons, earning playing time thanks to his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. This past season, Atkins saw his playing time increase significantly due to the graduation of Akil Mitchell. His playing time and his numbers more than doubled from the previous season and he became one of the elite defenders in the nation, anchoring the famed UVA Pack Line Defense. He finished the season with a modest 7.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, but it was his defense that helped him begin to garner consideration as a draft prospect. His efforts on that end of the floor were recognized, as he was named the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year.

UVA Basketball
Atkins is trying to become the fourth active Virginia Cavalier in the NBA
Despite Atkins’ significantly improved play, he was still on the outside looking in for a spot in the NBA Draft due to his lack of polish on offense, especially for a four year player. He was, however, able to earn a late invite to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which is an annual tournament held to showcase some of the nation’s top seniors to NBA scouts and general managers. Atkins took advantage of this opportunity, putting on a dazzling performance, averaging 20 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks en route to being named to the All-Tournament Team.] Having put on a clinic on both sides of the floor during the PIT really started to turn the heads of some scouts and earned him a spot on some draft pundits’ mock drafts.

The momentum didn’t continue in the pre-draft workouts, however. Atkins slid from being a potential late-second round pick to practically a sure-fire undrafted free agent. Shortly after going undrafted he selected a spot on the San Antonio Spurs’ summer league roster over offers from the Los Angeles Clippers, the Utah Jazz, the Golden State Warriors and the Orlando Magic. Atkins said that he selected the Spurs because he believes they are the best fit for him and present him with the best opportunity to make the team.

phil looking for the next rodman, never really heard of this guy

yellowboy90 wrote:

This is histerycal, too much depth for a forward so let's sign another forward. Lol. Knicks be knicking

CrushAlot wrote:

yellowboy90 wrote:

This is histerycal, too much depth for a forward so let's sign another forward. Lol. Knicks be knicking

Yeah you may not have room for Ndour but then go out and grab Atkins. Payton and DAvis are past DRiesell award winners so he is in very good company.

Which Payton and Anthony Davis has an offensive game. Why not get a potential two way player in N'dour of 700k? This guy is a camp invite that you can bring in to battle N'dour.

yellowboy90 wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

yellowboy90 wrote:

This is histerycal, too much depth for a forward so let's sign another forward. Lol. Knicks be knicking

Yeah you may not have room for Ndour but then go out and grab Atkins. Payton and DAvis are past DRiesell award winners so he is in very good company.

Which Payton and Anthony Davis has an offensive game. Why not get a potential two way player in N'dour of 700k? This guy is a camp invite that you can bring in to battle N'dour.

-Darion Atkins was one of the most pleasant surprises of the PIT, being one of the most productive players in attendance despite only getting an invite at the very last minute due to the surprising withdrawal of David Kravish. Atkins only measured at 6-7 without shoes, but has ample length with a 7-2 wingspan and a strong 240-pound frame.

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