If he can make an NBA Summer League team, that will give him a chance to make a roster and if that doesn’t work, he can continue his basketball career in Europe and I’m happy for him. – BYU assistant head coach Tim Lacomb
ALPINE — Tyler Haws is building as many options as possible for his basketball future as the NBA draft looms ahead and he signs with a European club team this past weekend.
According to his father Marty Haws, Tyler signed a contract to play professionally in Spain but the pact has an out-clause in case he is drafted in the NBA this month. If undrafted, he will join Obradoiro Clube de Amigos do Baloncesto in Santiago de Compostela, Spain in mid-August.
The former Mr. Utah Basketball and BYU All-American who set the Cougars’ all-time scoring record this past winter, is currently working out with NBA teams in preparation for the draft.
“The preparation for this has been going on for some weeks,” Marty told the Provo Daily Herald. “The initial offer was very favorable to Ty’s interests, so naturally we indicated we were willing to explore it further.”
BYU assistant head coach Tim Lacomb called the pact “an exciting opportunity” for Haws to continue to play at a high level while continuing to cultivate interest from NBA teams.
“He was here working out in the weight room Monday after doing his last NBA workout last week,” said Lacomb. “I think he plans on going back to Santa Barbara where his agent has a workout facility as he prepares for the draft. If he can make an NBA Summer League team, that will give him a chance to make a roster and if that doesn’t work, he can continue his basketball career in Europe and I’m happy for him.”
The team in Spain is part of the Endesa League, a top-level pro circuit that includes 18 teams including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Regal.
“After investigating more about the team, looking at film and communicating with the executives there, we’re comfortable with the coach and the system they run. This situation is a good fit for Tyler and it will be a great opportunity for him if he ends up there,” said the father.
Dick Harmon, Deseret News sports columnist, can be found on Twitter as Harmonwrites and can be contacted at dharmon@desnews.com.