Former Simeon stars Talen Horton-Tucker, Zach Norvell reunite at NBA combine

Former Simeon star Talen Horton-Tucker has a lot of qualities that make him a potential first-round pick in the NBA Draft. He’s athletically gifted and a tough defender. His versatility on offense also makes him a good fit in the modern NBA’s positionless game.

But Horton-Tucker’s draft stock took a hit earlier this week when news broke that the 18-year-old pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge after he stole about $16 worth of items from a Walmart in Ames, Iowa, in -February.

Horton-Tucker said he has met with 14 teams, including the Bulls. Though the misdemeanor charge has been a topic of conversation, he isn’t worried about people judging his character based on the incident.

“I don’t think stealing is good,” he said. “It only hurt me.”

Horton-Tucker hasn’t been paying attention to where he might land in the draft next month. He takes the mock drafts with a grain of salt.

Despite the untimely bad publicity, don’t expect Horton-Tucker to withdraw from the draft before the May 29 deadline.

“I’m staying in the draft,” he said.

Horton-Tucker believes his lone season at Iowa State has prepared him to take his career to the next level. Last season, he averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds. He also was a tough defender with 23 blocked shots in 35 games.

Horton-Tucker attributed his aggressiveness to playing in the Chicago Public League.

“Growing up in Chicago, you got to be tough to play basketball here,” he said. “You’re not going to get any fouls called. So I feel like it prepared me for every level I’ve played at. I’m going to bring my grittiness and toughness to any team that picks me.”

Between meetings, Horton-Tucker has had the chance to reunite with former Simeon teammate Zach Norvell Jr., who also put his skills on display this week at the NBA Draft Combine at Quest Multisport on the West Side.

“That’s my brother,” Horton-Tucker said. “Being around him, going through the same things since both of us are from Chicago — so overcoming the same things, it’s great for us. And it would be good for us to be drafted.”

The two spent time catching up on life in Horton-Tucker’s hotel room.

“Being a basketball player from Chicago, there can be a lot of crazy stuff going on around you,” Norvell said. “So [we were] just checking up on each other making sure everything is cool.”

Norvell, who played the last two seasons at Gonzaga, is a potential second-round pick. He said he has met with nine teams and had workouts with the Bulls and Hawks.

“From Simeon all the way to the college level to the pros, I’m going to remain confident and remain a guy that believes in himself and can get out of any situation almost,” said Norvell, who averaged 14.9 points on 43.4 percent shooting last season.

Both Horton-Tucker and Norvell have stepped back this week and reflected on how far they’ve come.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Horton-Tucker said.

The duo hopes to set an example for others who have NBA aspirations.

Norvell’s best piece of advice?

“Surround yourself with people who want you to be great and want to be great themselves,” he said. “There’s a lot going on in the Chicago area, but having a positive mindset, believing in yourself and taking that Chicago toughness wherever you go is something that’s extremely important.”

Contributing: Michael O’Brien