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Raptors first-round 2023 draft pick talks family, desire to work and Fred VanVleet

Related Topics: Toronto Raptors, Fred VanVleet

TORONTO - Gradey Dick moved his dad to tears on Monday.

The newest Toronto Raptors sharpshooter, chosen 13th overall in the NBA Draft last Thursday, visited his new basketball home over the weekend and was grilled by reporters after a morning workout with head coach Darko Rajakoviu0107 at the team’s practice facility.

The 19-year-old Dick was asked if he’s had much contact with Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, who played collegiately in Dick’s hometown for the Wichita State Shockers.

He said he first met VanVleet as a youngster while working at the school’s summer camp. He added the last piece of memorabilia he would glance at as he left his bedroom was a poster-sized blow-up of a newspaper story on VanVleet with the headline “Undrafted” — a gift from his father.