It may not be up to the level of the movie "Rudy" in terms of a cinderella story but for Wesley Matthews, the dream of playing in the NBA will come true.

The undrafted guard from Marquette and former Madison Memorial star is now in line to make the Jazz's opening night roster after Kyle Korver elected to have knee surgery and the team decided to release five-year NBA veteran Ronald Dupree and injured rookie Paul Harris.

"I know this game, I know I can compete at this level," Matthews said, "and keep working hard, playing defense and focusing on getting better and helping this team get as many wins as possible."

Matthews' father, Wes, who played nine seasons in the NBA and was a member of two Los Angeles Lakers championship teams in the 1980s, was elated by Thursday's news.

"I'm like, 'Wow,' the elder Matthews said by phone. "That's like a dream come true for him, and for me -- to have your offspring make the NBA. Words can't even describe right now how I'm feeling."

Matthews has started three preseason games and averaged 7.6 points in 20.9 minutes, allowing him to entertain some thoughts of how he would contribute to the Jazz this season.

"This team already has so much, I just feel like I can help add on to it," said Matthews, who added that he was trying to stayed focused on what he can control as opposed to the roster decision.

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said Matthews has shown "a great deal of know-how, you might say," adding that Matthews' four years at Marquette served him well, leaving him more experienced than a typical rookie.

Matthews' future will remain a day-to-day proposition. He is signed for the rookie minimum $457,588, but his contract doesn't have to be guaranteed for the season until Jan. 10.

The Jazz must set their roster by Monday afternoon.

Matthews was Mr. Basketball in Wisconsin after his senior year at Madison Memorial & led the Spartans to a Division 1 state title before choosing to play his college basketball at Marquette.