Ready for the next step: Jon Teske does what he can to make NBA career a reality

If you see a 7-foot-1 young man running down the street in Medina, don't be alarmed. It's almost certain to be 2016 Medina High graduate Jon Teske getting in a workout during the coronavirus pandemic as the former University of Michigan center does everything in his power to prepare for a possible playing career in the NBA. "There's just a lot of uncertainty going on," the 22-year-old said Thursday. "I've got to take it day by day and trust that it will all work out. Everyone's in the same position right now. No one knows what's going on or how long it will last. We've just got to take it day by day, because there's not a whole lot you can do about it." That uncertainty includes the NBA Draft Lottery, which is slated to be held May 19 in Chicago. It will be impossible for that to happen unless the league cancels the rest of its 2019-20 season prior to that point. There's even been some talk of not having the lottery this year and drafting strictly from worst record to best, but that's just conjecture at this point. In addition, what was slated to be the 68th annual Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational would have started two days ago, but that was canceled. Designed for college seniors and in recent years attracting primarily players not assured of going in the first round, it would have been the ideal place for someone like Teske, who experts project could be drafted midway through the second round, late in the second round or not at all. Also, the NBA Combine is scheduled for May 21-24 in Chicago, but that likely will be postponed or even canceled. Even the NBA Draft, which is currently set for June 25, will get pushed back if the league resumes its current season, leaving Teske in a state of flux as far as his immediate basketball future is concerned. "(The combine) is a spot to showcase talent," he said. "That's a big spot for a lot of juniors and seniors to show all the teams what they're made of. At this point, we won't be able to go in there and compete, but with these circumstances we're in right now, you've just got to play it safe." Teske, who played for former Cavaliers coach John Beilein in his first three seasons at Michigan and for former "Fab Five" member Juwan Howard as a senior, recently signed with agent Aaron Turner, who runs the Verus Management Team and represents NBA players Victor Oladipo, Terry Rozier and Kevin Knox, among others. "It was similar to choosing a college," Teske said of signing with Turner. "A lot of people reach out to you. You just have to find someone who has your best interests in mind. Aaron and his team have been watching me for a while. I really trust him. We're going to work well together as I try to make a career out of this." If Teske sticks with an NBA team in 2020-21, either after being drafted or signing as a free agent, his minimum salary would be $946,543 for an entire season. If he doesn't make a team, he likely will play in the G League or in a pro league in another country. "Whether I get drafted or not, I'm hoping to be in the best spot possible for me," he said. "I've just got to stay ready and be prepared for whatever is thrown at me. "Overseas is always another option, but I really want to give the NBA a shot first. If I don't make it, I'd probably give the G League a shot and try to work my way back up (to the NBA). If that doesn't work out, I'd like to go play overseas. I think I'd be a good fit over there, but right now I'd love to play in the NBA." Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, right now Teske would settle for playing anywhere. Currently completing the last two weeks of online courses needed for his degree in general studies, Teske was preparing to play for Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament when all college sports were canceled for the rest of the school year on March 12. After averaging 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Wolverines as a senior, he spent a brief period relaxing in San Diego and is now back staying with his parents in Medina. With the help of Bees coach Chris Hassinger, he's been able to get into a few small gyms to shoot and work out but hasn't played full-court basketball since Michigan's season ended. The 260-pound Teske also has been working out in his basement and running every other day. "You have to make the best of what you have around you right now," he said. "There's nothing like actual basketball. Once we get back into things, it may take me a little bit, but I feel pretty good. It's hard to stay in basketball shape when you're not playing five-on-five, but my body feels great and I'm doing OK." Contact Rick Noland at (330) 721-4061 or rnoland@medina-gazette.com. Follow him @RickNoland on Twitter.