Florida Basketball's Zyon Pullin signs two-way contract with Miami Heat

Florida Gators' standout point guard Zyon Pullin has signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat following the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite going undrafted, Pullin's impressive collegiate career caught the attention of the Heat's front office, earning him a spot in their developmental system.

Pullin's journey to the NBA is marked by a stellar single season at the University of Florida, where he averaged 15.4 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. His performance not only earned him a spot on the 2024 Coaches First-Team All-SEC but also his name in the Florida record books. Pullin set a new single-season benchmark with a 3.77 assist-to-turnover ratio, the best mark by any SEC player since 2000.

Florida head coach Todd Golden praised Pullin's impact on the team, calling him "the ultimate security blanket" and acknowledging his ability to organize the offense and find open teammates. Pullin's offensive skills were further highlighted by his efficiency, ranking tied for 8th in the country in offensive rating among players with at least 20% possessions used, according to KenPom.

While primarily known for his playmaking abilities, Pullin also demonstrated a reliable shooting touch. He connected on 44.9% of his three-point attempts, with a modest volume of 78 attempts throughout the season.

Pullin's 512 points contributed to a historic Florida offense, forming part of the first trio in school history to each score 500 points in a single season. Alongside Walter Clayton Jr. and Tyrese Samuel, Pullin helped create one of the most potent offensive units in Gators' history.

Before his time in Gainesville, Pullin honed his skills at UC Riverside, where he was a three-time All-Big West honoree. Over four seasons, he totaled 1,312 points in 109 games, showcasing his consistency and durability at the collegiate level.

Looking ahead to his professional career, experts from RotoWire on NBA.com project Pullin as a potential low-mistake, team-first backup point guard in the mold of Tyus Jones or Monte Morris. They highlight his excellent passing, ball security, and improved shooting as key strengths. However, they also note areas for improvement, including his three-point volume and finishing ability at the rim against NBA-level competition.

As Pullin transitions to the professional ranks with the Miami Heat, he'll aim to leverage his collegiate success and continue developing his game. While the path from undrafted free agent to NBA regular is challenging, Pullin's track record of improvement and high basketball IQ suggest he has the tools to make an impact at the next level.