Zak Irvin hopes to keep Mr. Basketball-to-NBA pipeline flowing

INDIANAPOLIS – Zak Irvin planned to call Gary Harris after working out for the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday — one former IndyStar Mr. Basketball talking to another. Harris would want to know all about Irvin’s visit. They remain close from their days as high school teammates at Hamilton Southeastern.

“I talk to him every day,” Irvin said of Harris. “He’s been a mentor for me.”

Irvin and Harris made history by becoming the state’s first back-to-back IndyStar Mr. Basketball winners from the same school. Irvin won it the year (2013) after Harris (2012), who is now the starting point guard for the Denver Nuggets.

Can Irvin make a similar transition, from Mr. Basketball to the NBA?

The next few weeks will help determine Irvin’s draft fate. There is no guarantee Irvin will be selected on June 24, unlike Harris, the 19th pick overall in 2014. Irvin may have to chase his NBA dream the hard way, as an undrafted free agent who must prove himself in summer league and perhaps development league play.

If that is the road Irvin must take, he is more than willing. Especially if the Pacers give him a chance as a free agent. Irvin could not hide his enthusiasm after his audition at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the team he rooted for growing up in Fishers. Memories come rushing back to Irvin whenever he enters the Pacers’ arena.

“It’s great to be back,” said Irvin, who planned to leave town Tuesday night, headed for his next pre-draft workout with the Dallas Mavericks. “I was here when I was a little kid, back when it was Conseco Fieldhouse. I’ve played here in the NCAA tournament (for Michigan), got the two big wins this year, so it’s always nice to come back home. Having the Pacers gear on is always nice. I know my parents would love to see me in this blue and gold.” 

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Irvin said he thought he fared well Tuesday in front of Pacers brass, but the workout was closed to the media, save for shooting drills at the end of the session. A 6-6 swingman from Michigan, Irvin has 3-point range and has the size to defend both shooting guards and small forwards. He was also a clutch player with a knack for making key shots with his strong play helping the Wolverines win the Big Ten tournament and advance to the NCAA Sweet 16.

“You want to be playing your best basketball in March and April,” Irvin said. “I think I did that, our team did that. It’s always nice to go on a run, especially our senior year.”

However, Irvin wasn’t a dominant scorer at Michigan, nor was he a lockdown defender. While Irvin still has workouts remaining with the Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks, it might be too late to dramatically improve his stock before the draft.

During his workouts, Irvin said he was focusing on showing teams he had improved defensively since the season ended.

“There’s a lot of scorers in this league,” Irvin said. “You need people to play more defense. That’s one of the things I try to hang my hat on. That and my versatility.

“Every workout I’ve been to, it’s been something different. I’m taking it as like a job interview. It’s competitive. It’s a game that I love, but I'm just enjoying every step I take.”

Seeing a close friend like Harris do well in the NBA after leaving Michigan State makes Irvin’s dream seem more tangible.

“I can remember the first time we played against each other (in college),” said Irvin. “I always give him crap about it because I have a winning record against him. It would be nice, something that we always dreamed about — playing against each other, (or) playing with each other in the NBA.

“I know everyone has their own path. That’s everyone’s dream to hear their name get called, shake the commissioner’s hand. But I’ve got my own path. We’ll see what ends up happening. I know God’s got something set up for me. I’m just going to make the most of it. Mr. Basketballs have a nice prestige of getting in the NBA. Hopefully I can keep that going.”

Follow IndyStar reporter Clifton Brown on Twitter: @CliftonGBrown.

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INDYSTAR MR. BASKETBALLS IN NBA

Zak Irvin (2013) and Caleb Swanigan (2015) hope to hear their names called during this month's NBA draft to join fellow IndyStar Mr. Basketball winners in the NBA.

Trey Lyles (2014), Utah Jazz
Gary Harris (2012), Denver Nuggets
Cody Zeller (2011), Charlotte Hornets
Tyler Zeller (2008), Boston Celtics
Eric Gordon (2007), Houston Rockets