By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The excitement is building as the countdown to the 75th NBA draft is nearing its conclusion. Eurohoops checks the latest news, ups and downs, and projections of the European prospects following the pre-draft workouts. All of them patiently waiting for their names to be called on Thursday at Barclays Center, most of them are considered likely to be indeed selected by an NBA team.
Only five European youngsters opted to remain early draft candidates. French Juhann Begarin, Belgian Vrenz Bleijenbergh, Spanish Usman Garuba, Lithuanian Rokas Jokubaitis, and Turkish Alperen Sengun. Senegalese Amar Sylla and Biram Faye, plus Australian Josh Giddey are the remaining international early draft candidates keeping their names in consideration.
Plenty more players are automatically eligible. The European field is definitely highlighted by Serbian Filip Petrusev expected to be picked up in the second round after leaving Gonzaga and electing to turn pro with Mega Soccerbet.
Top prospects
Garuba, 29, currently with the Spain national team at the Olympic Games, was an early hit on junior national teams and went on for a breakout season with Real Madrid. He was named Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Rising Star and ACB Best Young Player. A potential lottery pick.
Sengun, 19, is the Turkish League MVP but still has plenty of room for improvement. After dropping impressive performances in the Basketball Champions League and Turkey’s BSL at Bandirma he joined Besiktas last season. Another potential lottery pick.
Franz Wagner is the third European projected to come off the board early in the draft. He spent the last two seasons in Michigan with NBA teams and fans becoming familiar with his talents. He is also the younger brother of current NBA player Moritz Wagner.
Projected picks
Jokubaitis, 20, recently inked a four-year contract with European powerhouse FC Barcelona. However, he has dropped to the second round in the most recent projections of the 2021 draft. The skillful combo guard packing massive EuroLeague experience may delay a potential NBA move.
Petrusev, 21, went from Gonzaga back to Serbia, as mentioned. An excellent rookie season at the pro level lifted him to the Serbia senior national team and in the second round for draft experts.
Ayayi, 21, was his teammate at the Bulldogs but closed out his NCAA career before entering the draft. The French guard’s selection can range from late in the first round to the second round.
Begarin, 18, has been with Paris for the last two years. He helped his side earn the promotion to France’s top-tier division, Jeep Elite Pro A, before opting to test himself in the draft. He is projected as a second-round pick.
Bleijenbergh, 20, has played professionally since 2018. As a member of Telenet Antwerp Giants, he has made it to the Basketball Champions League and 7DAYS EuroCup. Coming off his best season yet, he is expected to be picked up in the second round.