Division III star Ryan Turell of Yeshiva University told ESPN that he will enter the NBA draft in hopes that he can become the first Orthodox Jewish player selected in league history.
Turell was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year for the second time in a row after averaging 27.1 points on 58.7% shooting from the field, including 46.8% from 3-point range. He led all divisions of men’s basketball in scoring.
The 6-foot-7 senior guard became the all-time leading scorer in program history with more than 2,000 points. He is highly touted as a shooter and can score from all over the floor. He was the third-most efficient scorer in all of college basketball, averaging 1.31 points per possession.
Turell wants to pave the way for others by making it into the NBA.
Being the first Orthodox Jew in the NBA would mean the world to me, and a dream come true, God willing. But, just as importantly, it would mean the world to others that never saw this as a possibility.
Turell played every game with a yarmulke and plans to continue doing so at the next level. He also plans to play on the Sabbath, which takes place each week from Friday evening to Saturday evening, despite it being customary for Orthodox Jews to take the time for reflecting and rest.
The draft hopeful said NBA teams have visited New York City to scout him in person throughout the season. He plans to work out for as many teams as possible and is eager to get to work.
“I want to get into as many NBA gyms as possible and show them what I can do,” Turell said. “I’ve got to knock down shots and be a great defender and teammate.”
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