Former Rams standout Tillman signs with Hustle
Former Rams star Justin Tillman averaged 18.9 points and 9.9 rebounds per game his senior season at VCU. Photo by Erin Edgerton
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor
Former Rams star Justin Tillman signed with the Memphis Hustle — the G-League affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies — Monday afternoon via waivers.
“My goals is for me to average a double-double, points and rebounds, show my passing skills to show I have court vision and showing I can handle the ball,” Tillman said. “And just showing I’m able to play on the next level and that I have multiple, different talents and skill sets to help a lot of teams.”
Tillman played for Wonju Dongbu Promy of the South Korean KBL this season, where he averaged 25.5 points and 11.7 rebounds in 11 games — all starts.
“When I was in Korea I feel it was a mental thing,” Tillman said. “It was kinda hard being out there in a place I knew nothing about. I feel it made me stronger as a person and [helped] bring out a more aggressive and confidence in me.”
The Detroit native played for the Rams from 2014-2018, averaging 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds over his four year career.
During his senior season, Tillman averaged 18.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. He was also named to First-Team all A-10 and the All-Defensive team as a senior.
“I could of signed a two-way [contract] and got drafted to OKC or the Denver Nuggets during the draft,” Tillman said. “But after talking to my agent while the draft was going on, I didn’t feel at the time it was the best situation for me. So we told the team no and a month later I signed with DB Promy in Korea.”
He ranks second in VCU history in career field goal percentage at 57.3, third in career rebounds with 922, third in career double-doubles with 34 and 10th in career blocks at 102.
Tillman is the latest Ram to sign with an NBA organization, joining Troy Daniels, Treveon Graham and Briante Weber.
“I feel that God has a plan for me and a different road I have to go through in order to make it where I want to be,” Tillman said. “Before we all know it, I feel within the next year I can make my dreams finally come true with my work ethic and hard work and God-given ability.”
