NBA Draft hopefuls include long list of former New England products
The 2018 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
There are a number of former New England prep products hoping to hear their name called. Here's a rundown:
Bruce Brown, Miami - The former Vermont Academy and BABC guard was one of the best freshmen in the country last year and getting early pub as a potential lottery pick. He returned for his sophomore season but was unfortunately limited by injury. While ESPN's current mock draft lists him at the beginning of the second round, he definitely has a chance to be a first round pick and earn a guaranteed contract.
Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky - The former Putnam Science Academy and New York Rens guard was attracting NBA scouts even in his prep days and ultimately spent a year and a half in Lexington to prepare him for his NBA future. Celebrated as a potential lottery pick for years, Diallo is in a similar position to Brown at the moment as he's hoping to hear his name called in the first round despite being projected as an early second round pick by ESPN.
Devonte Graham, Kansas - A onetime Appalachian State commit, Graham came to Brewster Academy for a post-graduate year and ended up playing his way to Kansas. After what has been a spectacular career at the highest levels of college basketball, he too is currently projected as an early second round pick by ESPN.
Omari Spellman, Villanova - The former MacDuffie and St. Thomas More big man, who starred for PSA Cardinals in the EYBL, won a national championship at Villanova this year after having to sit as a freshman. He made the unexpected jump to the NBA following and currently projects as the 45th overall pick in the draft according to ESPN's most recent mock.
Bonzie Colson, Notre Dame - Colson exceeded all expectations at Notre Dame and was one of the best impactful big men in college basketball in recent seasons. Unfortunately his senior year was riddled by injuries that are impacting his NBA stock. He is not included in ESPN's most recent mock draft and ranked the 68th best overall prospect in the potential field.
Wenyen Gabriel, Kentucky - Gabriel spent the last two years at Kentucky as a hybrid forward known for his versatility and activity. He declared for the draft following his sophomore year but is not included in the current mock draft and rates as the 78th best prospect on ESPN's board who is hoping to hear his name called in the second round.
Yuta Watanabe, St. Thomas More - The Japanese native developed into a star for the Chancellors before having a great career in the Atlantic 10. He's gotten some buzz this spring as a potential second round pick and while he's not included in the latest mock draft he is ranked 93rd overall.
Jared Terrell, Rhode Island - The former New Hampton and Brewster Academy guard, who helped get Expressions their first Nike deal, has had a storied four year career at Rhode Island including a pair of NCAA tournament appearances. He's not currently listed on either ESPN's mock draft or top 100 list but is sure to be included on NBA summer league rosters if he doesn't hear his name called Thursday night.
Abdul Malik Abu, North Carolina State - A former Kimball Union and Expressions big man Abu was a priority recruit for the Wolfpack four years ago. This year, he contributed for an N.C. State team that returned to the NCAA tournament this spring. While he's unlikely to hear his name called on draft night, he's another candidate to crack a summer league roster.