Notre Dame Basketball in the NBA Draft: V.J. Beachem Goes Undrafted

The 2017 NBA draft has come and gone, and V.J. Beachem’s name was not called. While not a huge surprise, a few analysts did project Beachem as a late round pick. Some even had Beachem going in the 50s to either the New York Knicks or the Boston Celtics. Neither teams selected the former Irish Star and NCAA Tournament standout.

The work is not over, nor the hope gone for V.J. After entering his name in the draft after his junior year and then withdrawing in favor of returning to the Irish, Beachem put up 14.5 points on 43 percent shooting his senior season. The Irish reached the ACC Championship and NCAA tournament second round thanks in part to Beachem’s contributions. He was also a key contributor to the Irish’s Elite Eight run in 2016.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Beachem worked out for plenty of NBA teams leading up to the draft, most notably the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat. He also participated in the NBA Combine, but didn’t do enough to impress scouts up against an incredibly talented class of guards and swing forwards to make his way into the draft. To find NBA success, Beachem will likely have to demonstrate an ability as an older player to contribute immediately. His best bet will be to catch on during summer league and seek out short contracts and chances to prove himself, much like Zach Auguste, Jack Cooley and Luke Harangody before him.

Like Beachem, Steve Vasturia also went undrafted. Vasturia worked out for New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. Keep it tuned to One Foot Down for updates regarding V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia’s journeys to the NBA as they attempt to follow in the footsteps of former teammates Jerian Grant, Demetrius Jackson and Pat Connaughton.