New Nuggets coach Mike Malone is on the hunt for unearthed talent, as all teams are in the NBA offseason. However, Malone may be the only one searching the NFL ranks. Most notably, Denver Broncos backup quarterback Brock Osweiler is on Malone’s radar.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) warms up with running drills during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post, Osweiler impressed Malone and the Nuggets’ brass at a Broncos training camp practice.
"“I mean he’s 6-foot-8,” Malone said of the former Arizona State quarterback. “I know that he played very well in the first game against Seattle and I hope he can really have a great season, but I heard he was a pretty good high school basketball player. If he wants to come over and help us out, he’s more than welcome to, and I promised coach Kubiak we’ll make sure he doesn’t get hurt.”"
Malone is obviously joking, but that doesn’t mean Osweiler couldn’t have been a very good basketball player. In 2007, Osweiler actually committed to Gonzaga University to play basketball, before changing his mind to focus on football.
From Sun Devil Athletics:
"As a junior on the hardwood in 2007-08, he averaged 24.9 points, 14.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocked shots on 48-percent shooting from the field."
That’s quite a resume. There’s a strong chance that Osweiler could have been drafted in the NBA. Nevertheless, he’s got a big role to play with the Broncos this season.