Jack Gohlke hasn’t had much rest since his dramatic rise during March Madness, but the sharpshooter who helped Oakland stun Kentucky isn’t complaining.
All of his hard work since the NCAA Tournament ended has paid off in the shape of a contract inked last week with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Gohlke arrived in Oklahoma City over the weekend and was eager to begin practicing with the squad right away.
“Right after the NBA Draft was over, my agent called me and OKC seemed like the best place to play summer league,” Gohlke recalled. “Based on what I’ve learnt and seen, I believe it is a really good organization. They approach things professionally, but there is also a ‘nice people’ component. This season, you can see it front and center with their team. Everybody got along. That’s what I’m searching for—a town like Oakland where everyone works together to achieve a common objective.”
He also mentioned that the Thunder’s participation in two locations, with three games in the Salt Lake City Summer League before coming to Vegas, was enticing.
With Oakland, fans throughout the country learned about Gohlke’s long-range game and his proclivity to shoot virtually exclusively from distance. Those fans may be astonished to learn that Gohlke starts his shooting workout program with mid-range exercises.
“I definitely think they would,” Gohlke added, laughing. “That (outside shooting) is my strength, but you have to vary your shooting routine, and at the next level, there will be different opportunities and teams with stronger strategy to discourage you from playing to your strengths. Developing my game is vital to me, which is why you should focus on the other issues.”
Part of that has been his work away from the ball. Guarding ball screens has been a primary focus of the training.
“Defense is half the game, and it’s something I’ve been trying to work on as much as I can,” Gohlke told the crowd. “I know it’s not my strongest suit, but this summer I’ve had a lot of nice workouts with individuals and sessions where we discussed the complexities of guarding ball screens. I reviewed film and obtained advice on where to be physical and where refs will or won’t call fouls to give oneself a tactical advantage. At the next level, everyone has a skill or specialization, but being able to round out your game – not necessarily being fantastic, but being average or above-average (at other things) – is what will get you to stick.”
With hard work, Gohlke had some amazing meetings. “Growing up, I was a big Celtics fan, and when I was in Indiana for my workout I met Larry Bird, who was there watching,” he recalls. “That was very cool. I was star-struck. In Milwaukee, I met Doc Rivers, and I enjoy watching Celtics games with him. It was really nice to meet him and have him know a little bit about my game. Growing up watching these coaches and players on television, it appears like you’ll never meet them. But getting to know them and realizing I’m a part of this journey is something I never imagined as a youngster.”
The idea now is for him to show himself and turn what is essentially a tryout agreement into a two-way contract before the regular season begins. And, regardless of what Gohlke’s flaws are, it will be his capacity to demonstrate his strengths and control what is within his power that will eventually determine his fate.
“Obviously, everyone has weaknesses,” Gohlke added. “Those individuals who don’t, those are lottery winners. It’s about determining your path and defining out your role. My ambition has never been to be the star of the team. I just want to be a star in my role, do what I do best very efficiently, and help my colleagues in that way. I know if I do that, I’ll fit in wherever.”
On July 8, Gohlke and the Thunder will face the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 p.m. in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
