Some NBA mock drafts have Tyler Bilodeau projected for a late second-round pick. Interestingly, some individuals seem to have no appearance at all in these predictions.
But honestly, that kind of detail doesn’t bother him. After all, he hasn’t been one to pay attention to doubts.
Bilodeau, who is now 34, was recognized right out of high school. After showcasing his skills at Oregon State, he moved on to UCLA, where he emerged as a leading shooting power forward in college basketball.
As for backup plans, well—he doesn’t have one. He’s confident that won’t be necessary.
“If I don’t get drafted, I still hope they’ll pick me up as a free agent,” Bilodeau shared with the California Post. “I think there’s a good possibility of being selected for a team. From there, I’ll keep pushing and working toward my goals. No plan B.”
Bilodeau has channeled the uncertainties into motivation, especially during the draft combine and NBA team workouts, particularly while recovering from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since the Big Ten Tournament in March.
While he didn’t take part in agility tests, strength training, or scrimmages at the recent combine, he certainly made a mark as a shooter. He managed an impressive 64 percent shooting from beyond the arc in one drill, 68 percent in another, and hit all ten of his free throws.
Even though he stands at 6-foot-9, Bilodeau insists his game encompasses more than just versatility. He has showcased his capability of playing various positions, notably as the Bruins’ small-ball center in recent seasons.
“I also want to display my toughness, my winning mentality, and my defensive skills,” he explained.
He’s taken criticism regarding his defense to heart and aims to silence that doubt.
“I want to prove I can guard smaller players. I believe I can flip the switch and hold my own,” he said. “I’m eager to show everything—my quickness, foot speed, lateral movement, and ability to defend without fouling.”
Gradually increasing his activity, Bilodeau was more involved in practice at the Lakers’ facility during a showcase involving around 25 NBA teams. He anticipates receiving full clearance for contact training next week.
Yet, it’s hard to ignore the disappointment surrounding his absence in the NCAA Tournament. Bilodeau described it as deeply painful to miss that final moment.
Reflecting on that time, he said, “It wasn’t safe for me to play because my knee was compromised, and my quadriceps weren’t stable. I kept thinking about how I would’ve been able to contribute. I tried everything possible, but I knew I couldn’t help the team.”
“Seeing the team go through the season to reach that pivotal moment was tough. I wanted to support them however I could.”
Rehabilitation has allowed Bilodeau to strengthen his quadriceps, which may boost his explosiveness. He also took some valuable insights from Mavericks guard Dante Exum, who was going through his own knee rehab at the same facility.
“He’s the epitome of a professional. Listening to him taught me how to engage with the team and present myself,” Bilodeau noted.
Regarding the mock drafts that seem to overlook him, he hasn’t held back his feelings.
“Those projections keep changing, and what they predict rarely aligns with the actual draft,” he said. “It’s in constant flux, so I just try to improve a bit each day and focus on the here and now. I do carry a chip on my shoulder.”
“Since high school, I’ve felt somewhat overlooked, as if I didn’t fit into the rankings. I think that chip really fuels my motivation, and that’s definitely a good thing.”
