Two years removed from an incredible career as a Gonzaga University men’s basketball player, three-time All-American and all-time program leading scorer Drew Timme has earned himself his first NBA contract.

On March 28, Timme signed a two-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets after two seasons in the G-League. The G-League journeyman has spent time with the Wisconsin Herd, Stockton Kings and finally, the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets’ G-League affiliate. 

Timme immediately got to work with Long Island, and before he signed a contract, he spoke on his big league ambitions.

“I think it’s been going really well,” Timme said of his play after a 50-point outing for the Long Island Nets. “I’m getting really close to my ultimate dream (of reaching the NBA), just got to keep working. The system’s been good, the staff’s been good. … I’m feeling really good about myself. I’ve got to keep it up.”

After Timme’s rookie season in the G-League was cut short due to a foot fracture, he eventually found his footing. With Long Island, Timme averaged 23.9 points and 10.2 rebounds in 29 games, shooting 57% from the field to go along with over four assists per contest. Timme was awarded G-League Player of the Week in late March, averaging 35 points and 12 rebounds over a three-game stretch, including the 50-point, 21-for-26 shooting performance on March 22.

It was less than a week later that Timme received the good news, something that caught him at an unexpected time.

“I ain’t gonna lie; I was just playing some FIFA, and then my phone started blowing up,” Timme said of the moment he got the NBA call up, in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “Then, it was just a rush to get past everything. But it was super cool. I’ve been playing really good so I was kind of hoping, from anywhere, something would happen.”

The Nets have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and are currently 25-51, sitting at 12th place in the Eastern Conference. In the aftermath of the Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving era, the Nets are still in rebuild mode, allowing for Timme to see the court immediately after his signing.

Timme made his NBA debut on March 28 against the Los Angeles Clippers, recording an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double, becoming the fifth player in Nets franchise history to record a double-double in their NBA debut. 

The next day, Timme dropped 19 points against the Wizards, with Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez speaking on his adaptability to the NBA.

“I don’t think the moment’s ever been big for him,” Fernandez said before a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. “He has a good feel (for the game), never looks rushed. Everybody loves him, and he’s got good energy. I know it’s only been (three) games, but it seems like he’s done this at this level for a long time.”

Timme is now the 12th Zag to make a splash in the NBA this season, something that the Richardson, Texas, native has waited on for a long time.

“Seeing all those guys’ jerseys up on the wall [at the McCarthey Athletic Center], I (said I) have to get mine up there,” Timme said. “There’s no way I can be one of the guys that’s not on there. So, it feels great to be part of that now.” 

It hasn’t been the easiest journey to the top for Timme, going from one of the greatest college careers GU has ever seen to undrafted with an early-career injury. Yet, the four-year tenured Zag has kept a down-to-earth attitude on basketball’s biggest stage.

“To me, this stuff’s a game. Games are fun and are meant to be enjoyed,” Timme said. “Obviously, it’s stressful and crazy, but at the end of the day, I try to have as much fun as possible and let the rest happen. I always say I could miss all my shots and not get one rebound, but as long as I play hard, good things usually happen, especially now the lights get a little brighter.”