There's been little pre-NBA Draft buzz about Ryan Boatright.

You won't find him listed in the majority of mock drafts.

He's residing in borderline pro prospect territory, leaving in doubt whether his name will be called Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Not everyone doubts Boatright's ability to play at the next level.

His former UConn coach believes in Boatright, a tough, quick and fiercely competitive point guard.

"He's a fascinating kid to me," said Jim Calhoun, who recruited Boatright and retired in 2012. "If I could get him sometime in the first or sometime in the second round, I think he'd be a good get."

Calhoun's opinion carries some weight. During his Hall of Fame coaching career, he created a pipeline from UConn to the NBA.

The trend has continued with Kevin Ollie in charge. Shabazz Napier and DeAndre Daniels were drafted in the first (24th overall) and second round (37th overall), respectively, last year.

Boatright, who helped the Huskies win a national championship in 2014, is hoping to follow in his former teammates' footsteps.

Last week, Calhoun met with Boatright in Storrs and talked about his draft chances.

Boatright worked out for about 13 teams, including Brooklyn, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Utah, Memphis, Dallas and Chicago.

The Nets have shown the most interest, bringing in Boatright twice.

"The team that he thought liked him the best is the Nets, because (coach) Lionel Hollins called his agent right afterwards to schedule another workout," Calhoun said.

Boatright is coming off his best all-around season. An All-American Athletic Conference first team pick, he averaged 17.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists. He showed off an improved jumper, shooting a career-best 41.1 percent from 3-point range but just 42.3 percent overall. He's always had the reputation as a defensive pest.

A shoulder injury in the AAC title game ended his season.

"I've watched Ryan get better," Calhoun said. "By the end of his junior year, he really came into his own defensively. It was the best he's ever played. He had to carry so much this year that it beat him up eventually.

"... I've watched this guy really, really improve his game. To me, I don't know what else you're looking for. That's what I would be looking for if I was a guy drafting him. We watch the games on TV sometimes and (Cleveland's Matthew) Dellavedova and some of these other guys, they don't look like we want them to look. But they can play like you want them to play.

"Ryan is a guy that can jump out of the gym, so he's a terrific athlete."

There are some potential roadblocks for 22-year-old Boatright. His size — he checked in at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds at the NBA Draft combine — is an issue. NBA talent evaluators tend to look down on four-year college players.

Calhoun dismissed those issues.

"He doesn't have a lack of game," Calhoun said. "He doesn't have a lack of stones. He doesn't have a lack of intensity. There's no question in my mind that he has a chance to play in the NBA."

Boatright realizes his size may prevent him from being drafted.

"There are a lot of 5-7 experts out there who have never played the game who think I'm not tall enough," Boatright told the Chicago Tribune. "I've always been knocked for my size, from high school to college, but it's never been a problem. I like to think I make up for it with heart and pride."

Don't be surprised if Boatright eventually fights his way onto an NBA roster. He overcame adversity numerous times during his UConn career.

Calhoun compared Boatright's skill set to Nate Robinson, a 5-9 guard who played for the Clippers last season and had a nine-year NBA career.

"He's got to get stronger and build his upper body some more," Calhoun said. "He's got to get 10-15 pounds of muscle. He doesn't have to bring any kind of determination, he's got that. He's resilient.

" ... Ryan is a terrific kid. He's really become a much better shooter. I just hope that he goes with the right team that needs what he is. ... The one thing that I would never do is bet against Ryan."

If undrafted, Boatright, who's from East Aurora, Ill., will pursue free agent opportunities, or play overseas. He plans to be at the Barclays Center tonight with his family.

"Obviously, I'm nervous and definitely anxious," Boatright said. "Your life is gonna change. I've put in a lot of hard work and I just hope and pray I'll get my chance. ... I haven't gotten any promises. Interest may pick up in the second round, but I just hope I can get into a good situation, where I've got a chance to play, whether it's by being drafted or signed (as a free agent).

"At the end of the day, I'm gonna make a lot of money playing basketball. My main goal and hope is to play in the NBA. I don't question myself or doubt my ability."

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe