For the next installment of the Pro Insight Q&A series, we present 2022 prospect Milos Uzan, from Las Vegas, Nevada:
Pro Insight: Talk about your background and your story.
Milos Uzan: I’m from the east side of Las Vegas. I feel like that part of town gets overlooked.
PI: What’s your family background?
MU: I’ve got two older brothers and a sister. I’m the youngest, so growing up watching them play has helped me a lot.
PI: Any extended family members play sports collegiately or professionally?
MU: Well my oldest brother, or like my step-brother, Julian Jacobs, he played at USC. He played for my dad as well [at Desert Pines]. The middle brother, Capri, plays at University of Providence, Montana [recently transferred to Vanguard University], so I get to learn and watch them.
PI: What have you learned from your brothers? What advice have they shared with you?
MU: The one from Montana, that’s who I work out with right now because Julian doesn’t work out with us. Capri works out with me a lot, he likes my game — he always tells me to keep my game the same, to never change. I respect him for that.
PI: Do you or did you play any other sports?
MU: When I was younger I used to play soccer and football, but I stopped playing those in elementary school.
PI: When did you transition over to full time basketball?
MU: Basketball has always been something I’ve been better at, and my dad’s a coach so I’ve always been in the gym.
PI: What made you fall in love with basketball?
MU: Everything. I love how you can get in the gym and get better. I feel like my potential is really high so I can keep growing.
PI: For those who aren’t super familiar with your game, what are some of your greatest strengths?
MU: I’m a 6’3” to 6’4” point guard...shifty...I can see the floor pretty well. I can shoot it from NBA range. I feel like I’m a leader and I feel like I’m one of the best passers in my class.
PI: What are some things you still need to work on?
MU: Well I lift every day at 6 P.M., just trying to get stronger. I know once I get stronger it’ll be easier to take a bump in traffic. Really just sharpening all my tools...making sure my handle stays tight and my jumper stays consistent. That’s really it, just trying to get strong.
PI: What are your current measurements?
MU: 6’3” and 165 pounds.
PI: What were you going into your sophomore season?
MU: About 6’1” and 150 pounds.
PI: What would you say is most underrated about your game?
MU: I’m a pretty good shooter, so I feel like I show that. I definitely rebound a lot, that’s something people don’t see as much. I get in there, rebound, and defend.
PI: With so much shut down due to COVID-19, what have you been doing to stay ready?
MU: I wake up at 9:30 A.M., go get some shots up around 10:00 A.M., then later on in the day around 6:00 P.M. I’ll go lift. Sometimes I’ll get some extra shots up later on in the day, as well.
PI: Do you train with any other players?
MU: Well today I got shots up with Frankie Collins. I usually lift with Max Allen and Will McClendon — we all have a little group that we workout with.
PI: Which aspects of your game do you spend the majority of your time working on?
MU: I’m just trying to do every rep hard, so when game time comes it’s smooth. When I’m lifting I’m trying to take every rep real strong. I’m really just focusing on trying to gain weight. I know if I gain weight I’m going to be tough, so that’s the main thing I’m focusing on right now.
PI: Who are some of the toughest players you’ve ever had to guard?
MU: The hardest player I’ve ever guarded is Pierre Jackson, he’s tough. In high school, the Vegas guys, Jaden Hardy, Zaon Collins, Frankie Collins, Richard Isaacs, Jr. There’s some talent in Vegas — we definitely have talent.
PI: What made those guys tough?
MU: Being consistent and knocking down jump shots. Frankie is tough because he’s so explosive. Zaon is quick. Isaacs can knock down shots. And Pierre, he’s really fast and consistent so it’s tough to guard that.
PI: In your opinion, who are the best players coming up in Vegas right now?
MU: I feel like I’m the best player. Other than me, Jaden Hardy, Zaon Collins, Will McClendon, Frankie Collins, Richard Isaacs Jr., Josh Jefferson. Glenn Taylor is also good, but he is going down to Arizona. Anthony Swift, as well.
PI: Rank the best five guards in the 2022 class.
MU: Me, I’d have to go with Amari Bailey, Skyy Clark, Dior Johnson, and Richard Issacs, Jr. I don’t really want to rank them, but I’m for sure number-one.
PI: What was your experience like playing with Vegas Elite?
MU: It was fun, we went down to Peach Jam and lost in the final four. It was a good experience that got me out there. It was fun and I learned a lot from them.
PI: What did you learn?
MU: Well, they put me out there on a great platform when I went to Peach Jam and played in front of coaches. Loyalty — they’ve been real loyal to me — I’d been with them since middle school and they stayed loyal with me and I appreciate that.
PI: Who are some of the best players within the Vegas Elite program you’ve played with or against?
MU: Jaden Hardy — in practice we used to go against the 17-year-old team, so Josh [Christopher], Julian Strawther, Zaon Collins, Mwani Wilkinson — they had some guys. I’m surprised they didn’t win it all.
PI: Talk about your transition to Dream Vision.
MU: So basically with Vegas Elite we ran a three-guard lineup with me, Ty Ty Washington, and Richard Isaacs, Jr. On Dream Vision, I’m really the only guard there, then we have Max Lewis and Glenn Taylor in the other spots. It was more like my team. I got to control everything out there. It was fun, as well.
PI: How much do you feel like your game grew with them this summer?
MU: My confidence definitely grew. We didn’t get to play in front of big crowds and everything, but there were still coaches calling me. My confidence grew and that’s a key part of basketball.
PI: Why do you wear #12? Is there a story behind that?
MU: Not really. My oldest brother Julian Jacobs at USC, he wore #12 as well, so it stuck with me, too.
PI: Walk us through this past high school season.
MU: We went undefeated in conference play and ended up playing Faith Lutheran. Before the playoffs we blew out everybody by 20 [points]. We played Durango in the final four and then in the state game [vs. Bishop Gorman] we stunk it up, but the tournaments like the Tark Classic, all of those were fun, but the state game was awful.
PI: How do you feel like your game grew this past season?
MU: I feel like I got stronger and my overall game has gotten better. My game is still the same, but I’m stronger, quicker, and I also grew. I feel like the potential is high.
PI: What’s it like playing for your dad?
MU: He gives me the green light so it’s fun. Freshman year that’s really where I got all of my confidence from, he really put me out there. It’s fun playing for him. I don’t have to look over my shoulder, or anything. I know if I make a mistake I’m going to hear it, but I know I’m going to keep playing, so it’s super fun playing for him.
PI: How has he helped grow your game?
MU: When school was in we would workout every morning at 6:00 A.M. Everything, really — he just kept me consistent and confident.
PI: What advice does he share with you?
MU: Before every game he tells me to rebound and the rest of my game will come. Also he tells me there are three types of people: “those who make it happen, watch it happen….” There was another one, but he just made sure I made it happen.
PI: What are your short and long term goals as a basketball player?
MU: Obviously make the NBA, but as far as short term I want to win a ring before I leave, break the Bishop Gorman streak. Long term is to make it to the NBA and stay there, not go back and forth. I know once I get there I want to keep working.
PI: What’s the update with your recruitment?
MU: I’ve really just been getting calls...a few PAC-12 schools, Texas Tech, Cal, UNLV, so they’re really just trying to stay in touch with me.
PI: Are those the top schools pursuing you right now?
MU: Yeah — UCLA, UNLV, I talked to Gonzaga, but they haven’t offered me yet. Cal and Texas Tech, as well.
PI: Do you have any dream schools?
MU: Well when I was younger my dream school was UCLA.
PI: How did it feel to get an offer from UCLA?
MU: It was crazy because I remember that was the best game I’ve ever played, I went 9-9 from 3 and ended up with 40 points. They offered me right after the game. Washington State was there, also, and they offered me the next day.
PI: What are you looking for in your school of choice?
MU: Go where the coaches really believe in me, to have the green light and be the guy on the team. My goal is to make the NBA, so if they can help me get there and treat me like family.
PI: What type of system best fits your playing style?
MU: Get it and go, get the rebound and run the floor. I like fast pace, coming off high ball screens. I’m a good decision maker so I can read defenses well. I like fast pace, getting the rebound and going.
PI: Would you ever consider the G-League route?
MU: I don’t know, it depends if that’s what fits me and will help me get to my goal — but it’s for sure an option.
PI: Who are you leaning on most heavily as you make your decision with your recruitment?
MU: My family. I know whatever decision I choose they’re going to be right behind it with whatever I feel is best for me and for them.
PI: Would you say you rely more on your natural talent or your work ethic?
MU: My work ethic. I’m in the gym a lot. I put a lot of time in so my work ethic is up there. I definitely rely on that more than my talent. Talent can only get you so far.
PI: Do you model your game after anyone in particular?
MU: People say I play a lot like Lonzo [Ball], but not really, just try to mix in a bunch of different peoples' games. Dame [Lillard], that’s the best PG in the league right now. I try to take some parts from his game. Just breaking down players and trying to get better.
PI: Aside from Lonzo Ball, who are some other players people compare your game to? Do you feel like they’re accurate?
MU: A little bit, I feel like he’s more explosive than I am and I feel like I shoot better than him. I feel like our play styles are the same, we both rebound, run the team, and are pretty great passers.
PI: Which position do you view yourself as?
MU: Point guard.
PI: Please explain what Milos Uzan brings to a team, regardless of the situation.
MU: On the court I’m going to bring a W. I’m trying to win. Going to get guys to play hard, I’m going to play hard as well, hold everyone accountable. Off the court, get the guys happy. I’m a goofy guy, I feel like everyone vibes around me, just a cool guy to be around.
PI: What’s your leadership style?
MU: Both, really [example & vocal]. If a guy isn’t going hard then I’ll tell him to go hard. In the workouts I’m definitely going to be one of the first ones to the workout if I’m going with other guys. During the game I’m more vocal, you kind of have to be, so I’m vocal for sure. Just trying to get teammates better, they shouldn’t take it personal.
PI: What’s your biggest passion outside of basketball?
MU: Playing video games, I’m a gamer. Call of Duty and NBA 2K are the go-to games for me.
PI: How do you rank yourself in Call of Duty?
MU: I’m good actually...I usually play with Dominick Harris, that’s my boy. I play with him and Zaon Collins. I’m definitely the better one. I’m pretty good I’m not going to lie [laughs].
PI: What’s your favorite thing to read or watch these days?
MU: Movies, I like action movies. The Last Dance was the last series I watched. I’m not really into watching a long series, I’m more of a movie guy. I love Spongebob, as well.
PI: What were some of your impressions from The Last Dance?
MU: Jordan was a dog, he didn’t like to lose, and he took it personal. It was good seeing that for sure.
PI: What are your top action movies?
MU: Shooter, I like movies like that, White House Down, I like army movies like Call of Duty. I like comedy as well, like Adam Sander movies.
PI: What are the top apps you use the most?
MU: TikTok, SnapChat, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch.
PI: If you were going to do anything other than basketball for a career, what would it be?
MU: Golf. I’d play golf, my dad is also the golf coach. I’ve got a nice little swing, so I’d play golf.
PI: What do you shoot in golf?
MU: Man I haven’t played in a minute so I’m definitely in like the high 90’s. I feel like if I tried and put the time in like I do with basketball I’d be good.
PI: If you woke up tomorrow to see $10 million in your bank account, what would be your first purchase?
MU: I’d go buy a 2020 GT Mustang, I’d buy a bunch of shoes, buy a house, and then save.
PI: In the social media era how do you manage outside pressure and expectations?
MU: I don’t really feel that’s pressure. I feel like that’s just exposure, really. It just helps you grow — the more followers you have the more people think you’re better. I don’t really see it as pressure.
PI: How often do you have to block out negativity from social media?
MU: I feel like I don’t get negativity like that, besides what people say behind your back. I don’t really care about stuff like that — it’s not going to hurt me — so I just keep doing me regardless.
PI: What has been a defining moment or story in your life?
MU: I feel like what really changed me a lot was high school. Playing for my dad really helped me get better. Playing for my dad was probably the best decision for me.
PI: Are there any times where you’ve had to overcome adversity?
MU: Playing for Vegas Elite I wasn’t really the guy. It was tough, I’m usually the guy on my team...but playing for them I wasn’t really the guy so that was definitely a challenge. Well it wasn’t like I wasn’t the guy, but they didn’t see me as the best player on the team which was tough. I feel like I’m the best player on the team and when the coach doesn’t feel like it, then it’s tough.
PI: What did you learn from that?
MU: Just keep working — it’s a long run. I’m just in high school right now, the ball isn’t done bouncing for me yet, so just to keep working. I’m still really young.
PI: Did you start or come off the bench for Vegas Elite?
MU: I was starting, but I wasn’t the PG. It wasn’t my style, it felt different.
PI: What have your parents instilled in you as far as work ethic and mentality going into college?
MU: My dad is always making me go hard, same with my mom. They just want me to go hard every time I’m in a workout so I can get better. The whole point of going to workout is to go hard and get better.
PI: Do you have any mentor figures in your life other than your parents?
MU: My brothers and my sister, that’s really it. I have a few friends, but they’re not really mentors, just more so people I hang around.
PI: What advice or guidance have they shared with you?
MU: Well they are my motivation — I want to one day not take care of them necessarily, but make sure everybody is straight. That’s definitely what I want to do. That’s why I go hard.
PI: Talk about your greatest all-time memory on the court.
MU: Probably the Mayfair game. That was a fun game because it had a packed crowd and we were the underdogs. We played against two five-stars and I feel like I did much better, so that was a good experience for me.
PI: Tell us something about yourself that most people have no idea about.
MU: People provably don’t know how hard I work. I work harder than a lot of other people. When I’m not in the gym I have weights in my backyard, so I workout back there as well. I feel like I’m an open guy so people already know a lot about me. I’m goofy and I like to play around a lot.
PI: What are four words that best describe Milos Uzan?
MU: Long/lanky. Different. Funny. Unique. I don’t know, I’m a good guy to be around — that’s all I know. Never really in a bad mood — good vibes.
PI: Describe what you imagine your life will look like 10 years from now.
MU: I feel like I’ll be in the NBA. Might have a girl by then. Definitely a different lifestyle, for sure. I don’t know, but I feel like I’ll be set.
PI: At the end of the day, what do you want to be remembered for?
MU: As a great person and great player, really. I want people to know I kept good, positive energy around them...every time I stepped on the court I played hard and gave it my all. That I’m a family guy — family and God first.
PI: Is there anything you’d like to say on the current events in today’s world?
MU: My dad is white, my mom is black so it can work out. People were taught differently than I was — it’s a tough world right now.
Watch the full interview with Milos, here