On the heels of the NBA playoffs, the sports world’s attention is now set on basketball, specifically the upcoming NBA draft which is set for a June twenty-third date.
But, who are the local prospects for professional hoops?Kentucky has four athletes going into the draft this year, included is their forward who was so instrumental in the Cats’ final four appearance last year, Josh Harrelson.
As well as guards Brandon Knight and DeAndre Liggins, this year Knight was a freshman while Liggins was a Junior. Their final possible draftee is the Turkish Enes Canter, who, despite having legal troubles in college has a real shot of making it in the pros.
Meanwhile, Morehead State’s Senior forward, Kenneth Faried has a real chance for a draft, after his stellar college career, topped with a major upset in the NCAA tournament against Louisville Faried enters the draft representing the small Kentucky school.
Ohio State’s pair of forwards, Jon Diebler and David Lighty both are also looking for pro-nods. The two are notable for a consistent play and team leadership which comes after staying the full four years.
Tennessee has their own pair of forwards entering the draft in freshman Tobias Harris and senior Scotty Hopson.
The draft commences in Newark, New Jersey and can be seen on NBATV. The first five picks will go to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have struggled since losing LeBron James, infact the Cavs have both the first pick as well as the fourth this year.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will follow in second, the Utah Jazz will grab the third pick, while the globally minded Toronto Raptors will choose fifth. Overall, this could be an interesting draft as there’s such a diversity of needs for differing teams.
Image: M. Cornelison/Kentucky Sports
