MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Marquette Golden Eagles have seen a handful of players drafted into the NBA in recent years who have gone on to enjoy success at the professional level. However, the school didn't figure to see that happen this year, until Vander Blue made a surprising decision.
The top prospects coming out of college basketball are going through the process of selling themselves. At the recent NBA Draft Combine, Blue of Marquette uses his overall athletic ability as his main sales pitch.
"I definitely build my game around my athleticism. I like to get out in transition. I like to play above the rim, so it's definitely helped me a lot. It gives me a chance to see where I rank among other great athletes like Victor Oladipo -- guys like that, and for me to be able to compete with those guys is a blessing," Blue said.
Blue helped Marquette compete at the highest level this past season, leading the team in scoring and making some of his biggest plays at the biggest times.
Nerlens Noel of Kentucky, Ben McLemore from Kansas -- those guys are early entries in the NBA after just one season in college. That's a slam dunk, but Blue going before his senior year at Marquette was a surprise, and an unwise decision according to some.
"I can't live for everybody else. I live for myself. You can't make everybody happy. I'm more than happy with the decision. I'm focusing in and I really don't mind. I hope Marquette does great, and I've always proved people wrong. Nobody thought I'd be here anyway. Nobody thought I'd even have the chance to consider to come out early because nobody thought I'd be any good. Nobody thought Marquette would be any good. I've proved people wrong my whole life, so it's nothing new," Blue said.
If that sounds like self-confidence, it is.
"Definitely, man. If you don't have confidence in yourself, you won't get anywhere. I've always been confident in myself. I knew I was always capable, and I know I'm here for a reason, so what everybody is talking about, God bless them, but I'm still going to live my life another day," Blue said.
Blue has gone from being a blue chip recruit out of Madison to a clutch player on the college courts to a late invitee to the Draft Combine. He firmly believes the progression will continue with a spot in the NBA.