Wichita native Caleb Grill has taken a monumental step toward his NBA dream, signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Chicago Bulls. The Maize High, Iowa State, and Missouri graduate is now poised to make his mark in the NBA Summer League, showcasing his talent on one of basketball’s biggest stages. KSN recently spoke with Grill about his inspiring journey from a Kansas standout to a professional hopeful, highlighting the grit, relationships, and local pride that have fueled his rise.
A Dream Deferred, but Not Denied
On NBA Draft Night, Grill sat anxiously, hoping to hear his name called. As the second round neared its end, his agent delivered the tough news: he would likely go undrafted. “As the second round was getting toward the end, I had a couple phone calls with my agent, and he said, ‘It’s looking like we’re probably going to go undrafted,’” Grill recalled. While not the outcome he envisioned, going undrafted opened doors to greater flexibility in choosing his next step.
Grill’s decision to sign with the Chicago Bulls was no accident. A successful workout, a strong interview, and established relationships with the Bulls’ staff and his college coaches at Missouri made Chicago the ideal destination. “I felt really comfortable with the relationships that I formed when I was up there,” Grill said, noting the trust built through his agent and his Mizzou connections. Now, with a Summer League opportunity in hand, Grill is ready to chase his lifelong dream of playing at the highest level.
A Long Road to the Pros
Grill’s journey to the NBA has been anything but easy. Reflecting on his college career, he described it as a rollercoaster of “ups and downs.” From his early days at Maize High to his time at Iowa State and Missouri, Grill leaned on the support of family, mentors, and coaches who shaped him into the player he is today. “I give a lot of credit to the people who helped get me to college to begin with, my family,” he said. “And then once I got to college, all the coaches that I was able to learn from and take advice from throughout my years of college has helped me prepare for this moment.”
His senior season at Missouri was a breakout, earning him the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award while averaging over 13 points per game and helping the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament. Grill credits Mizzou’s NBA-style offense for preparing him for the professional game. “We ran more of an NBA-style offense, and we played more like NBA teams,” he explained. This familiarity gave him an edge at the G League Combine and team workouts, where he quickly adapted to professional terminology and systems.
A Wichita Legacy
A proud product of Wichita, Grill hasn’t forgotten his roots. “Being able to go back to school and be proud of where I came from and see the players who came after me, there’s been a lot of really good athletes that have come out of Maize,” he said. The success of athletes from Maize and the broader Wichita area continues to inspire him, even as his college career took him away from home. Grill hopes his journey can motivate the next generation of Kansas athletes. “It’s not often that they get too many players that make it to this level,” he said. “Hopefully, maybe inspire some kid to do extra work at a younger age.”
A New Era for the Bulls
Grill’s arrival in Chicago signals more than just a personal milestone—it marks a potential shift for the Bulls. With his signing, the team is investing in a player whose competitive fire and versatility could reshape their roster. Known for his tenacity on both ends of the court, Grill plans to bring the same intensity that defined his college career to the Summer League. “Just showing competitiveness on both ends of the floor,” he said. “I think that’s one thing I’ve done well and done at a very high level throughout my whole career.”
While his Exhibit 10 contract is just the beginning, Grill’s $50 million potential as a future star is undeniable. His combination of work ethic, adaptability, and hometown pride makes him a player to watch as the Bulls look to usher in a new era of success.
Looking Ahead
From Maize to Mizzou and now to Chicago, Caleb Grill’s journey is a testament to perseverance and community. As he takes the court for the NBA Summer League, he carries the hopes of Wichita and the lessons of a hard-fought career. For Grill, this is just the start. For the Bulls, it’s the dawn of a new chapter with a phenom ready to prove himself on the biggest stage.