It’s been an eventful two years for Rashad Vaughn. From his move from Minnesota to finish high school at Las Vegas’ Findlay Prep to his decision stay in Las Vegas to play for UNLV, Vaughn has made an impact wherever he has gone. Things were disrupted a bit when a knee injury ended his freshman year in early February, but everything is back on track now as he prepares for the NBA Draft.
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Though his college career was cut short, Vaughn was able to show a lot of what he could do in his twenty-three games. He averaged almost 18 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. The expectations were big when Vaughn was named the Mountain West’s Preseason Freshman of the Year, and he did his part, winning the Freshman of the Year Award after the season, despite only playing in eleven conference games.
Vaughn scored more than 20 points in nine of his twenty-three games, including two games of 30+ points, and now the 6’5 guard is ready for his next challenge.
As he is going through the pre-draft process, Vaughn is able to see how his time at UNLV has helped him, even if it was just for a season.
“Playing a level up, it’s always going to be more difficult and you need to adjust,” said Vaughn. “The knowledge I gained, and the opportunity to play with different types of players, helped me improve. Also, having a coach who played in the NBA, and one with a brother in the NBA, taught me what I’d need to succeed at that level.”
The experience at UNLV wasn’t just about basketball though for Vaughn. “The experience really helped me grow,” said Vaughn. “I had the chance to meet a lot of great people, and it all helped me to be in the position I am now.”
Though suffering a season-ending injury as a freshman might be enough to make a player want to start their pro career as soon as possible, Vaughn said the decision to leave UNLV wasn’t that simple. “It was a tough decision to leave Las Vegas after spending two great years there,” said Vaughn. “UNLV has one of the greatest fan bases in the country, and I had a chance to build great relationships with my teammates, coaches, and people at the school.”
The decision was made that the best time for him to enter the NBA was now, and Vaughn is extremely excited about going through the pre-draft process. Though he hasn’t spoken much with former teammates who have been through it, he does have supporters who know it well and help him when they can. “Coach (Stacy) Augmon has been through it all, and he has helped me in understanding what the challenge is ahead of me,” Vaughn explained. “Also, Coach Simon is always there when I need advice on anything, and I really appreciate that.”
Now that Vaughn is 100 percent back from his knee injury and he’s looking forward to showing NBA teams what he can bring, including some areas where he knows he can help immediately. “I think my shooting ability and ability to score should translate well to the next level,” Vaughn said. “Also, my one-on-one defense is better than a lot of people realize.”
As he goes through pre-draft training and workouts, Vaughn has targeted some specific areas he knows he needs to improve to be the best player he can. “Taking better shots, my shot selection, is something I’ve been working on; it’s something I’ve always needed to work on,” Vaughn explained. “I’m also working on how to play team defense better, learning to be in the right spots and rotations, and saying active.”
There is a lot of depth at the shooting guard position in this year’s draft, and being able to separate yourself from others in some ways will be important. Vaughn sees some ways which do exactly that. “I think what separates me from other shooters is my ability to make plays for my teammates,” Vaughn said. “I think of myself as more of a combo-guard, with the ability to create shots for me and others.”
Vaughn had the opportunity to take part in the NBA Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago last month, and the experience was one he cherished. “Once I went to the Combine, it was an eye-opening experience, seeing all of this great talent around you,” said Vaughn. “It was a big step for me going through all of the drills and testing, plus the opportunities to meet with the different teams.”
Since the Combine, Vaughn has had the opportunity to work out for Miami, Indiana, Golden State, and the Los Angeles Lakers, with workouts already scheduled with Phoenix, Chicago, Toronto, Washington, and Minnesota.
The team workout process has given Vaughn a greater perspective on what’s needed to succeed at the next level. “At my workouts, the one thing they consistently preach is that you have to always be ready to compete,” Vaughn said. “Whether it’s practices, games, workouts, you have to bring 100 percent effort to everything you do.”
With Vaughn’s pro career on the horizon, he thinks he will have the ability to help a team right away. “I want to come in and find my niche with the team,” said Vaughn. “Whether it’s knocking down shots, setting up teammates, or playing tough defense, I’m ready to handle it.”
Coming back from his injury and getting to the chance to show what he can do is just another step on Vaughn’s basketball journey. He knows there’s a lot of competition, but he also knows there is a spot for him with any team willing to give him a shot.
“I know with my hard work, focus, talent, and love for the game, I can bring something to any team that picks me,” said Vaughn. “I’m still just 18 years old, and I feel the sky’s the limit in terms of the player I can be.”
There’s no denying that Vaughn had an instant impact in his shortened college career, and with his skill and dedication, he could make a team look very smart for picking him later this month.
*You can check out my Scouting Report for Vaughn here
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