From Undrafted Agony to NBA Sensation
The NBA Draft night is supposed to be a dream come true, but for Caleb Love, it was a nightmare. Yet, from the ashes of that heartbreak, a true star has risen for the Portland Trail Blazers, forged by relentless self-belief and the guidance of a legend.
Key Points:
- Caleb Love went undrafted despite high school accolades and a stellar college career.
- Mentored by NBA icon Damian Lillard through his Formula Zero camp.
- Transformed from a struggling college player to Pac-12 Player of the Year.
- Now a breakout rookie for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 15.8 PPG in January.
The Weight of Unfulfilled Potential
Just last summer, Love gathered family and friends, ready to celebrate his NBA Draft selection. Day one passed, then day two, and 59 picks later, his name was never called.
“I didn’t shed no tears, not right then and there,” Love said. “But I did later, when I got home. I wasn’t going to break down in front of everyone because they came for me, and I didn’t want them to see me like that. So, I kind of kept my cool.”
Once a McDonald’s All-American, a Jordan Brand Classic participant, and ranked the second-best point guard in the nation, Love had been celebrated at every level.
“You name it, I had the accolades,” Love said.
But college proved tougher. The explosive moves and elite skill that defined his high school days didn’t immediately translate, leading to struggles and a crisis of confidence.
The Blueprint for Greatness: Lillard’s Formula Zero
Amid his collegiate struggles, Love received a pivotal invitation: Damian Lillard’s Formula Zero basketball camp in 2022.
“I just loved his story,” Love said, referencing Lillard’s journey from Weber State to NBA stardom.
At the camp, Lillard noticed Love’s determination.
“He had some tough days, where (instructors) got on his ass, but he just kept figuring it out,” Lillard said.
Image: NBA
A defining moment came when Love asked Lillard for guidance for over an hour:
“One day, he pulled me to the side, and was like, ‘Can I ask you some questions?’” Lillard said. “He asked me all the questions that kids don’t really ask, you know? I could tell he was really trying to figure it out.”
The camp ended with Love being named MVP—not just Most Valuable Player, but Most Valuable Person.
“Unlike a lot of those highly-rated kids, Caleb had two things: he had a humility to take coaching, and he had hunger to work harder,” said Phil Beckner, Lillard’s trainer and camp director.
Rising from Setbacks
After a challenging third season at North Carolina, Love transferred to Arizona, embracing accountability.
“I had to look in the mirror and take a step back, you know?” Love said. “I was like, this is not the end-all, be-all for me. I’m not going to be one of those could’ve-should’ve-would’ve guys who peaked in high school.”
His hard work paid off. Love had a breakout season at Arizona, becoming Pac-12 Player of the Year and earning All-American honours.
When he went undrafted, the moment hit hard.
“It was tough, man… once that last pick got called, and I obviously hadn’t been picked, it was like … WOW,” Love said.
A Star Emerges in Portland
Luck, timing, or fate intervened. Love signed a two-way contract with the Trail Blazers, the team of his mentor, Damian Lillard.
“He’s going to make the team,” Lillard said. “That’s the first thing I thought: He is going to make our team.”
Love has delivered, thriving as a key contributor. In January, he averaged 15.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, shooting 37.8 per cent from three, leading all two-way players in scoring, and ranking eighth among all rookies in points while making the fourth-most three-pointers (81).
When Lillard called him a “Top-10 pick!” during a November game against Golden State, it wasn’t just hype—it was recognition of Love’s phoenix-like rise.
