Category: 2022 NBA Draft

Chet Holmgren is off to a historic start with Gonzaga

Holmgren has five games in the books this season and is putting up historic numbers to start his collegiate career.

No. 1 recruit Chet Holmgren has put five games in the books this season with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and the 7-foot-1 standout is putting up historic numbers to start his collegiate career.

The latest performance came on Monday as Holmgren led the No. 1 Bulldogs to a win over Central Michigan to tip off the Good Sam Empire Classic from Las Vegas, Nevada. Holmgren recorded 19 points, five rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists in 20 minutes of work.

The 19-year-old once again flashed his unique size and skillset in the victory on Monday. On one sequence, in particular, Holmgren blocked a shot and then took the ball coast-to-coast to finish for the and-1 attempt on the other end.

On the season, Holmgren is averaging 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 blocks on 70.4% shooting from the field.

Holmgren is the only Division I player over the last 25 years to total at least 60 points, 15 assists, 15 blocks and shoot 70% from the field and free-throw line over any five-game span, according to Stats Perform.

Remarkably, he has done that over the first five games of his career.

Holmgren, who was the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Gonzaga, has shown why he was so highly touted coming into this year. He is currently a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick next year and has shown why he should be in the conversation.

After defeating Central Michigan, Holmgren and Gonzaga will face off against No. 2 UCLA on Tuesday night. He struggled against No. 5 Texas on Nov. 13, recording just two points, so it will be worth monitoring to see how he performs against another highly-ranked opponent.

Gonzaga and UCLA will tip off at 10 p.m. EST on ESPN.

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Michael Savarino, Paolo Banchero face DWI charges after traffic stop

The two Duke players reportedly face driving while impaired charges after they were stopped early Sunday morning.

Michael Savarino and Paolo Banchero reportedly face driving while impaired charges after the two Duke Blue Devils players were stopped early Sunday morning, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Savarino, the grandson of Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski, was charged with DWI after getting stopped in Orange County, North Carolina. Banchero, a potential No. 1 overall pick next year, was charged with aiding and abetting DWI.

The N.C. Highway Patrol stopped Savarino for a stop sign violation and later observed signs of impairment. He registered a blood-alcohol level of .08 and was taken into custody. He was charged with DWI, driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21 and the stop sign violation. His court date is set for Dec. 9.

The two players were riding in a 2017 Jeep SUV registered to Banchero. He was released at the site of the stop and will have a court date on Dec. 8. According to the report, aiding and abetting a DWI can be cited when a person knowingly turns their vehicle over to someone that is impaired or when they fail to stop an impaired person from driving.

Krzyzewski released the following statement through the program:

We are reviewing a legal matter involving two members of the men’s basketball team. Any further actions as a result of this situation will ultimately be determined by the Vice President/Director of Athletics and University officials.

Savarino joined the program as a walk-on in 2019 and was elevated to a scholarship player this past offseason. He made his season debut on Friday, recording one rebound in four minutes during a win over Army. He logged two appearances last season.

Banchero, the No. 3 recruit, was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year and is widely considered to be in the conversation to become the top pick in the NBA next year. He produced 22 points in his debut on Nov. 9 and is averaging 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

The seventh-ranked Blue Devils return to play on Tuesday against Campbell at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The status of the two players in that contest is not yet known.

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Paolo Banchero reacts to LeBron James mentioning him on Instagram

Banchero had a wholesome reaction to seeing James give him a shoutout on Instagram.

No. 2 overall prospect Paolo Banchero made his official collegiate debut with the ninth-ranked Duke Blue Devils on Tuesday, and even earned a shoutout from LeBron James afterward.

Banchero produced 22 points, seven rebounds and two steals during the 79-71 win over the No. 10 Kentucky Wildcats. He connected on 7-of-11 shot attempts from the field, going 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. He had his mid-range shot working, while he also finished at the rim.

The first look at Banchero in a Blue Devils uniform further fueled the immense hype surrounding him. He showed why he is considered to be a potential No. 1 pick in the NBA draft next year after dazzling during his time on the court.

James gave Banchero a shoutout on his Instagram story after his debut.

Screenshot/Instagram

Banchero previously took part in a photoshoot with SLAM Magazine where he is seen lacing up the LeBron 11s. While he didn’t wear those on Tuesday, instead opting to go with the Kyrie Irving 7s, James still gave him a shoutout on Instagram.

He took to Twitter to offer a wholesome reaction to seeing James’ post.

Certainly, to receive a shoutout from James will be a moment Banchero remembers for a long time. He watched plenty of James growing up and tried to take elements of his game into his own development.

He could even join James as an eventual No. 1 overall pick.

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Paolo Banchero becomes first college player to appear in NBA 2K

Banchero signed an endorsement deal with 2K Sports, becoming the first collegiate athlete to appear in any NBA 2K video game.

Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero on Friday announced that he has signed an endorsement contract with 2K Sports, becoming the first collegiate athlete to appear in any NBA 2K video game.

The news was first reported by The Boardroom.

On Friday, NBA 2K22 was released worldwide across all platforms ahead of the 2021-22 season. Banchero will be a playable character on the video game and will help 2K Sports create additional content throughout the upcoming season.

Banchero is the latest player to sign an endorsement contract following recent legislation enabling collegiate athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness. He recently signed with CAA Basketball to negotiate future NIL opportunities.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpWJWkDS4w/

Banchero opted out of playing last season but was named the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year two years ago as a junior after averaging 22.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocked shots. He is considered to be the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2021.

The 19-year-old is in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick next year. He has been highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor and has proven that he can score at all three levels on the court. He also has the size at 6 feet, 10 inches that NBA teams covet.

Given his skillset on the court, Banchero was viewed as a prime candidate to cash in on his name, image and likeness this season at Duke. With the news on Friday that he will sign with 2K Sports, his NIL deal will go down in the history books.

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Jaden Hardy recently linked up with Damian Lillard in the gym

NBA G League Ignite guard Jaden Hardy recently worked out with Lillard in the gym ahead of the start of next season.

NBA G League Ignite guard Jaden Hardy recently worked out with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard in the gym ahead of the start of the 2021-22 season.

Hardy posted a few photos on Twitter with Lillard as he is seen taking some advice and pointers from the six-time NBA All-Star. The opportunity for Hardy to get some work in with such an established player like Lillard should prove to be highly valuable entering the season.

The 19-year-old announced in May that he would join the Ignite over collegiate programs like Kentucky, Oregon and UCLA. He is considered to be the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2021 and is projected to be a top-five pick next year.

Entering their second season, the Ignite will feature five-star prospects Michael Foster Jr. and Hardy with Scoot Henderson and Dyson Daniels also signed for next season. The team will be coached by Jason Hart after Brian Shaw was hired by the Los Angeles Clippers.

While the inaugural Ignite class featured Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and others, the upcoming team figures to be highly intriguing with Hardy and Foster leading the way.

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2022 NBA Mock Draft: An early look at the top prospects next year

Rookie Wire took an early look at the next crop of players set to enter the NBA in 2022.

With the basketball world one month removed from the NBA draft, some have started to look ahead to the next rookie class that features some high-profile prospects.

The top of the class is highlight by Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren and Duke forward Paolo Banchero. The two players will likely trade places atop draft boards throughout much of the next season as both project to be franchise-changing prospects at the next level.

Of course, with the NBA draft set to take place on June 23, 2022, plenty will change over the course of the next 10 months. However, it can be a productive exercise to see how prospects have improved their stock and how others dropped on draft boards over time.

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor as the 2021-22 season approaches in a couple of months.

Note: The order of the draft was determined by the reverse championship odds set by Tipico Sportsbook. The 2022 draft will only have 59 picks after the Bucks were stripped of their second-round pick by the NBA due to a tampering violation last year in free agency.

Paolo Banchero signs with sports agency to pursue NIL opportunities

Banchero is the latest collegiate player to hire representation to negotiate future name, image and likeness deals.

Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero has signed with CAA Basketball to pursue name, image and likeness endorsement and sponsorship opportunities.

Banchero, who committed to Duke in August 2020, is the latest player to join an agency following the legislation enabling collegiate athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness. As the third-ranked player in the class, Banchero is a prime candidate to earn future endorsement deals.

The five-star recruit opted out of playing at O’Dea High School in Washington last season. However, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state two seasons ago as a junior after averaging 22.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocked shots.

Banchero is considered to be the potential No. 1 overall pick next year.

He has been highly touted for his ability on both ends of the floor and has proven to be a player that can score at all three levels on the court. Banchero projects to be a difficult matchup in college given his size at 6-foot-10 and overall ability.

The recent legislation enabling collegiate athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness will likely go a long way in helping programs land big-time recruits over professional leagues. Certainly, Banchero figures to cash in this season at Duke.

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Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler signs NIL deal with card company

Chandler will autograph collectible cards and other merchandise as part of the agreement.

Tennessee Volunteers guard Kennedy Chandler will reportedly sign a name, image and likeness sponsorship deal with Leaf Trading Cards, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Chandler, who committed to Tennessee last year, will autograph collectible cards and other merchandise as part of the agreement. His father, Kylan, also previously told ESPN that Kennedy would sign a five-figure deal with Wild Card.

The five-star prospect was named an All-American last season at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas after averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. He was considered to be the top point guard in the class of 2021 rankings

Chandler chose Tennessee over several other programs, including the NBA G League.

Chandler is considered to be a potential lottery pick next year given his ability as a lead guard. He possesses elite athleticism that can help him create for himself and others. He has also improved as a shooter and is active defensively.

The recent legislation enabling collegiate athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness will likely go a long way in helping programs land big-time recruits over professional leagues.

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Five-star prospect Jalen Duren to play at Memphis next season

Duren, who is rated the No. 4 prospect, chose Memphis over the likes of Kentucky and the NBA G League.

Five-star prospect Jalen Duren on Friday announced that he will reclassify to the class of 2021 and play next season at the University of Memphis under head coach Penny Hardaway.

Duren, who is rated the No. 4 prospect, chose Memphis over other collegiate programs such as Kentucky and Miami. He was also said to be considering playing in the NBA G League and the National Basketball League in Australia.

The 6-foot-10 center played last season at the Montverde Academy, averaging 14.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots in 23 games. He also played in the Nike EYBL season this summer where he averaged 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.9 assists in 15 games.

Duren has drawn comparisons to Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat given his size and skillset on the court. The physicality Duren plays with makes him a force in the paint while he is thought to be very advanced in his abilities at this stage of his career.

His commitment to Memphis is a huge addition to the program. It could also help them potentially lure Emoni Bates, who also reclassified and included Memphis in his top four. With Duren, the Tigers figure to be favorites to win the American Athletic Conference.

The Tigers jumped up to No. 5 in the recruiting rankings with Duren on board.

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Report: NBA sets 2021-22 schedule, including start of regular season

The NBA is reportedly targeting to begin the regular season in October, with training camp at the end of September.

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The NBA reportedly notified teams on Thursday that they are targeting Oct. 19 to begin the 2021-22 regular season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

With the 2021-22 season set to begin in October, the start of training camp will be on Sept. 28. By beginning the regular season in October, the league would return to more of a traditional schedule following the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to training camp and the start of the regular season, the league also set June 23 as the date for the NBA draft, just four days after a potential Game 7 in the NBA Finals. The end of the regular season is still to be determined.

The NBA has made it no secret that they wish to return to more of a normal seasonal schedule, starting in October and ending in June. The schedule was shuffled drastically because of the coronavirus pandemic, but with things returning to some normalcy, the NBA calendar will as well.

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