When the NBA Academy was launched in 2016, one of the main goals was to identify and develop the best basketball prospects from around the world.
Josh Giddey became the first NBA Academy graduate selected in the NBA Draft after being picked sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021. When the 2022 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, three other alumni Academy graduates should call themselves.
Dyson Daniels, Bennedict Mathurin and Hyunjung Lee continue to climb the draft boards after using the NBA Academy to help kick-start their promising basketball careers.
“In just the first few years of the program, seeing these young NBA Academy graduates achieve their lifelong dreams of being drafted into the NBA is a tremendously rewarding feeling for all of our coaches and staff,” said Chris Ebersole, the Senior NBA Director who oversees the elite development of the NBA Global Academy. “We are so proud of these players who have represented themselves, their home country and the NBA Academy program so well on and off the court. We are thrilled to see their continued success at the NBA level. .
Dyson Daniels
Daniels could be the last Australian to make a significant impact in the NBA.
Daniels, who comes from Australia, had a good season with the G League Ignite. It is planned to be a lottery selection. The 6-6 point guard is tall and an above average defender and playmaker. He averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.1 steals in 15 games with the Ignite, and his game improved as the season progressed.
“Dyson’s journey – from the NBA Global Academy to the G League Ignite to the NBA – exemplifies the NBA’s commitment to developing young athletes and preparing them for the highest levels of sport,” Ebersole said. “The progress Dyson has made with his game is a testament to his professional approach and desire to improve every day. We are so proud of Dyson and thrilled to see his hard work pay off.
Daniels was a teammate with Giddey at the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia.
Benoit Mathurin
Mathurin’s athleticism could be his ticket to a lottery pick and NBA minutes.
Mathurin, originally from Canada, had a very successful college career in Arizona. He’s 6-foot-6 and what sets him apart from a lot of players is his athleticism. The 19-year-old winger is explosive and has had several scoring plays with the Wildcats. He’s competitive and has a good enough jumper to play both. It is expected to be a lottery pick.
“Bennedict is a true NBA Academy trailblazer, as he was the very first Canadian prospect to join the program, paving the way for many others to follow in his footsteps,” Ebersole said. “His work ethic, competitive intensity and leadership helped him thrive at the NBA Academy Latin America, then reach the highest levels of college basketball, and now will serve him well as he makes the leap. to the NBA.”
BENNEDICT MATHURIN WITH THE TOURNAMENT DUNK 😱
(Going through @MarchMadnessMBB)pic.twitter.com/Wt96Y2v1PH
— Sports Center (@SportsCenter) March 21, 2022
The Pac-12 Player of the Year averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Hyunjung Lee
Hyunjung Lee’s shot has sparked interest ahead of the 2022 draft.
The 6-foot-7 Lee, a native of South Korea, averaged 15.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game at Davidson. He is expected to be chosen in the second round, and if selected, he would only be the second Korean player in the NBA.
His 50-40-90 shooting splits are what make teams tick. Much like Stephen Curry, another former Davidson player who filled the nets, Lee was not very recruited out of high school.
“Since his first day with the NBA Global Academy, Lee has been an outstanding shooter, one of the best I’ve seen at any level of basketball, and he will continue to hang his hat on that elite skill. “, said Ebersole. “At the NBA Global Academy and then at Davidson, Lee strived to develop his entire game, including his defense, ball handling and off-ball movement, and his well-balanced game allowed him to get a historic success in the college ranks. We are proud of Lee and excited for him as he begins his NBA journey.
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