Jon Octeus transferred to play his senior season with the Purdue Boilermakers last season, and it was the perfect move for his career. He ended up being very successful and leading his team back to the NCAA tournament, while also having quite a few highlight plays along the way. Now, he is about to begin his professional basketball career with the Indiana Pacers in the Orlando Summer League.

Being added to the Pacers’ summer league roster is exactly the type of chance that the talented guard needed to prove himself.

During the 2014-15 season with the Boilermakers, Octeus ended up averaging 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He wasn’t the biggest contributor on the box score, but his hustle, energy and defense were very underrated. Looking ahead to the NBA, there are quite a few areas that he’ll need to improve, and he is ready for that challenge.

Needless to say, Octeus is very excited to be getting his first taste of NBA action. Larry Bird saw some talent in him, and he is interested to see what the young guard can do for the team in July.

“I am extremely excited and blessed to be joining the Pacers for the Orlando summer league,” Octeus said. “Being that I have been able to build a relationship with the people in Indiana, I think it will be a blessing to be able to stay in this city.”

There are some question marks about what Octeus has in his game that will help make the Pacers’ regular season roster. It isn’t going to be easy for him, but he is confident in his ability.

“I think that one of my best qualities is the ability to adapt, so whatever it is that the Pacers’ organization would need out of a player like me, I would be willing and able to do. I have heard people say that the organization wants to be a more up-tempo team and I believe that my game meshes well with that idea.”

As of right now, the Pacers have George Hill and Joseph Young as their point guards on the depth chart. Indiana will want to add a third point guard, and that is exactly where Octeus will have a chance at landing. He wasn’t able to compare himself to any current NBA guards, but he agreed that Dennis Schroder was one player who was similar to his style.

Octeus also understands that there are quite a few improvements he needs to make heading into the 2015-16 season.

“I think I have to bulk up to be able to be successful at the next level, but with NBA resources I don’t see that being an issue at all. Also, perfecting my spot up shot. I can create for myself and my teammates. The next level you have no room to be unprepared. I need to be ready to capitalize on open shots.”

One thing that Octeus isn’t lacking is confidence, and he strongly believes that he is an NBA caliber player. When asked where he saw himself in the next five years, he said very simply that he will be playing in the NBA.

It is going to be very entertaining to watch him during the Orlando summer league with the Pacers. He has the potential to make some noise and earn a roster spot, but it will take a lot of hard work. That is exactly what he is prepared to do, and Pacers fans should prepare themselves to start liking him early in July.

All quotes taken from an exclusive interview between Jon Octeus and Evan Massey.

Evan Massey is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Massey_Evan and like him on Facebook.