‘Dream come true’: Caleb Grill reacts to earning NBA contract

WICHITA, Kan. (KMIZ)

A former Mizzou Men's Basketball talent is heading to the league.

At the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, Caleb Grill earned the chance to sign a contract with the Chicago Bulls as an undrafted free agent, an opportunity that he's been working his entire life for.

"It was kind of a dream come true. Every kid wishes about being in the NBA one day or just being a part of an NBA organization, and a matter of fact, just being a professional athlete," Grill said. "Just being able to live out that dream of becoming a professional athlete was kind of a goal I've had ever since I was a little kid, and being able to achieve that or at least sign and get an opportunity to be a part of an organization, was something that was truly special."

You can watch the full one-on-one interview with Grill in the slideshow above.

Grill announced his first-ever NBA contract at a small gathering with friends and family at his home in Maize, Kansas. The former Mizzou guard's loved ones were there to witness his once-in-a-lifetime phone call and were ecstatic when they learned the news, especially his parents.

"It was just really cool to see everybody watching him take phone calls, and then, for him to get off the phone and announce to all 30 of us that he was going to go to the Bulls, it was just really cool," Lena Grill, Caleb's mom, said. "He has an incredible support network, and our family is very involved. I thought that was really special, that he included them in that moment. It was personal, and everybody was cheering and emotional and just incredibly happy for him because they know how hard he works."

"It was awesome to see him excited, and it's awesome to see him feel like that was a good fit for him. So, everything kind of just came together like it was supposed to," Chris Grill, Caleb's dad, said. "Obviously, you would love to get drafted, but I think more importantly, he got to go to a place where he was going to feel comfortable and excited about being at."

The reigning SEC Sixth Man of the Year is joining an NBA franchise that finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 overall record, led by guards Zach LaVine and Coby White. Of course, the Chicago Bulls have a rich championship history that dates back to NBA legend Michael Jordan, who guided the franchise to two three-peats in the NBA Finals (1991-93 & 1996-98) and six NBA titles. It's also a team that has connections with Mizzou's head coach Dennis Gates, as well.

"I think they have one of the greatest traditions throughout the '90s and up until now," Grill said. "When I was able to work out with them, just a lot of connections and ties with Coach Gates and the coaching staff and a lot of people throughout their organization had ties throughout many coaches throughout our staff and just that feeling of feeling like home."

With Grill's well-deserved NBA contract, Coach Gates has helped develop five NBA talents in just three years at Mizzou. After Kobe Brown was selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, D'Moi Hodge, Sean East II, Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill have all signed a two-way contract or Exhibit-10 deal with a professional franchise. Gates also had a sixth future NBA athlete on his 2023-24 roster as former Mizzou guard John Tonje was picked by the Utah Jazz with the No. 53 overall selection of this year's draft, following his final collegiate season at Wisconsin. The NBA-level development, two NCAA Tournament appearances, and two 22-win seasons show that Mizzou Men's Basketball is returning to excellence.

"I just think he's done a tremendous job turning the program around, outside of one bump in the road, but even that one bump in the road, me and John Tonje were hurt and that's three guys who are going to participate in the NBA," Grill said. "He's done a really fantastic job of preparing guys for the next level. He's had a lot of guys have success in the NBA, in the G-League, and overseas leagues, as well. I think that can be something prospects, who are coming out of high school, who are coming out of the transfer portal, if that's something they really value, I think Mizzou is just a great spot because of the system he plays. It helps prepare you for the next level more than any system that's in the country."

Grill has already turned his attention to preparing for NBA Summer League, which begins on Friday, July 11.