By Stefan Djordjevic/ sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid big Usman Garuba has submitted paperwork to the league office to make himself eligible for the 2021 NBA draft, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
Garuba has been one of the most anticipated prospects to enter the 2021 Draft and the 19-year-old Spaniard is expected to get picked up by an NBA team this year.
The winner of the 2021 EuroLeague Rising Star award, as well as the equivalent honor in the Spanish Liga Endesa, has played a total of 79 games so far this season for Real Madrid across all competitions.
Garuba has been averaging 4.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17 minutes overall but those numbers don’t encompass his crucial contribution on both sides of the floor – especially on the boards and the defensive side of the floor.
His best performance came in Game 4 of the EuroLeague playoffs when he logged career-best 24 points while adding 12 rebounds to keep his team alive and tie the series.