Bean, Horvath in prospect pool for the NBA Draft

NEW YORK — Tonight, two former Aggies will hold their breath hoping to hear their names called at the annual NBA draft. Forwards Justin Bean and Brandon Horvath have a chance to extend Utah State’s streak of getting a player drafted the past two years. 

To be drafted this year means that an NBA team thinks you are a top 58, two fewer picks than normal due to anti-tampering measures, professional basketball prospect in the world. Bean and Horvath entered the draft in hopes of joining the ranks of the best basketball league in the world. If drafted, they would become the third or fourth draft picks from Utah State since 1986. 

The Utah State men’s basketball team has produced 26 NBA draft picks in its history. The most recent picks were Neemias Queta, who was selected by the Sacramento Kings in 2021, and Sam Merrill who went to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020, winning a ring in the NBA Championship that same season. 

A boost to Merrill’s and Queta’s draft stock was their presence at the NBA combine. The NBA combine is where prospective draftees showcase their abilities in front of NBA scouts. Bean averaged 17.4 points per game his senior season, along with  9.9 rebounds which was 17th in the country, but he did not receive an invitation to participate in the NBA combine.

Bean signed with Priority Sports Management to represent him as he pursues an NBA career. While not being invited to the official combine, Bean has been training in Chicago with other Priority Sports athletes prior to the draft. 

Bean worked out with the following NBA teams before the draft: Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder and potentially other teams that haven’t been publicly reported. 

USU head coach Ryan Odom said Bean could step up for any one of those teams. 

“He will play any role for a team,” Odom said. “Justin is the guy that will do whatever it takes to help his team win.”

The odds of Bean hearing his name on Thursday may be slim, but that doesn’t mean he cannot sign with a team as an undrafted free agent, which is a likely scenario if he remains available following the conclusion of the draft. 

Bean stretches before the second half of the game against Colorado State on March 10.

“Whoever gets him is not only going to have a great player, but a great person,” Odom said. “Bean started as a walk-on at Utah State and earned his way up to be a legendary player his senior season. It may not be the same way in the NBA, but it could be in a similar fashion. I think he is up for the challenge that comes his way.”

For Horvath, who also was not selected for the NBA combine, there are possibilities of the NBA or other professional leagues overseas. 

Horvath, who stands at six feet, 11inches tall, has the build of a center and the shot-making of a guard. His strengths of shooting, dribbling and defending the paint make him a target for any team. While the NBA is adapting to more hybrid-like centers, Horvath fits that archetype physically and with his playstyle. 

Horvath outjumps an Oregon player making a two-point shot on March 15.

“Brandon is just looking to start his career,” Odom said. “He’s forgone his college experience and moved to professional ranks. He’s had some workouts and he has done well which is a positive.”

Horvath was second in points and rebounds for Utah State last season, averaging 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as an Aggie. 

“He’s open to both the NBA and overseas,” Odom said. “He’s a guy that has a talent that can be successful overseas. They can earn a big contract over there.”

Horvath has had workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors and potentially others that were not reported publicly.

The fate of Horvath and Bean is unknown as they wait to see if they are selected in the draft, but their road will not end as they will both have opportunities to pursue professional basketball even if their names are not called.

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