When Justin Bean first joined Utah State University as a walk-on in 2017, he never envisioned the type of success he’d eventually see with the Aggies over the next five years.
Now, Bean is looking to continue his run at the next level.
Bean was named to the All-Mountain West second team last season after averaging a career-high 17.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 34 games. He led the team in scoring, rebounding, steals and field goals made (227).
He leaves the program near the top of the leaderboard in several categories.
Bean is one of three Aggies players ever to haul in at least 1,000 career rebounds as his 1,027 total boards are second in program history. He had the most career games with at least 10 rebounds (57) and the second-most double-doubles (46).
“I would be lying to you if I said that I would be in this position,” Bean told Rookie Wire. “A lot of people dream about playing in the NBA since they’re little kids but for me, I was just trying to get a scholarship, honestly. That was my goal to find my way and earn a scholarship and a four-year degree.”
The 25-year-old established himself as one of the top scorers and rebounders in the country. He finished sixth in double-doubles (20) and was one of only eight Divison I players to average at least 17 points and 9.5 rebounds this season.
Bean also ranked highly in a couple of advanced metrics, too.
He was 10th in the country in box plus-minus (9.3) and fifth in points per game when cutting to the basket. He was efficient in catch-and-shoot opportunities and knocked down a blistering 46.5% from 3-point range.
Following the season, Bean declared for the NBA draft and is currently training in Chicago. He recently competed in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an annual scouting event comprised of the top 64 seniors in the country.
Bean emerged as a standout after three games in Portsmouth, earning All-Tournament team honors. He averaged 11.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals on 50% shooting from the field and was named Player of the Game in his second contest, recording 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Rookie Wire recently caught up with Bean to discuss the pre-draft process, what he is looking to showcase to teams, his collegiate career and much more.
Please note: This interview was minorly edited in its transcript for clarity