INDIANAPOLIS
Jon Octeus knew what he was doing in October when he announced he was transferring from Colorado State to Purdue.
Call it Part 1 of a four-part plan.
Performing well for a Big Ten Conference program would surely get the 6-foot-4 point guard noticed by NBA decision-makers.
Perhaps such exposure would then land Octeus on a Summer League roster and, if all goes according to plan, an NBA roster during the 2015-16 regular season.
The Miramar, Florida, native is halfway home.
“It’s kind of what I set out to do. I left Colorado State so I could have that opportunity to put myself in a good position to play in the NBA,” said Octeus, who averaged 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in his one season as a Boilermaker.
“The Pacers have given me this opportunity. I’m just trying to take full advantage of it.”
Six of the 14 players on the Pacers’ summer roster are guards, which means Octeus must be at the top of his game in order to impress those seated courtside during practice sessions at Bankers Life Fieldhouse — namely team president Larry Bird, Pacers head coach Frank Vogel and longtime assistant coach Dan Burke.
Burke, who again is coaching Indiana’s Summer League squad, appreciates the intensity Octeus demonstrates defensively every time down the floor. The coach would like to see him show more offensively.
Octeus hopes to display in Orlando what he says is an expanded offensive repertoire.
“I’m just going to showcase some of the things I’ve been working on in the offseason. Improving my jump shot. Showing that I can run an NBA offense,” Octeus said.
“And also bringing the things to the table that I’ve always brought as a player. Being into the point guard or the shooting guard or the ‘3’ man (on defense) and proving that I belong out there.”
Octeus has a dream.
The same dream his Summer League teammates have whether it’s former Xavier University big man Matt Stainbrook, Lithuanian import Mantas Kalnietis or the Pacers’ recent second-round selection, 6-2 guard Joe Young.
“Everybody has the same mindset, but what I like about this group of guys is everybody’s unselfish. Everybody understands that going out there and scoring 30 is not what the Pacers want. They want to know how you can help their team,” Octeus said.
Not surprisingly, he has a plan.
