Projected first-round pick Jaden Hardy recently credited the NBA G League for preparing him to advance to the next level after playing this season with the Ignite.
Hardy, who was the No. 3 prospect in the high school class of 2021, opted to turn professional and sign with the Ignite for their second season. He averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 37.6% shooting from the field in 25 games with the Ignite.
The Ignite program was started to give the top high school prospects the opportunity to turn pro early while staying in the United States. The players have the chance to learn from seasoned veterans while also playing against G League competition.
The inaugural class featured the likes of Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Isaiah Todd among others. Hardy headlined the team this year, along with MarJon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels, Michael Foster Jr. and Scoot Henderson among others.
Hardy, speaking on the “Posted Up” podcast with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, believes that experience in the G League has made him the top prospect in the draft.
I feel like I’m the best player in this draft if you ask me. I feel like playing in the NBA G League, I mean, it is the second-best league in the world. I played against people in the NBA right now like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga — those guys are in the NBA getting good minutes.
They were just playing against me so I’m playing against NBA talent-level guys every game. Not only that, but I’m learning every game. I’m getting more comfortable. I’m learning from my mistakes. I’m watching film, playing against vets — you start to pick up things.
Hardy entered the season widely projected to be a top-five pick by most mock drafts. However, the 6-foot-4 guard has slipped down boards and is now considered to be a late first-round selection due to a variety of factors, such as his shooting and shot selection.
The 19-year-old shot just 30.9% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts per game with the Ignite. The shooting does not appear to be a concern for Hardy, though, as he told Haynes that he is the best shooter in the draft.
He believes he is being overlooked at this point of the pre-draft process.
I feel like people are sleeping on me. I feel like they don’t really know, they haven’t seen my whole bag yet. I feel like they’re sleeping on me, for real.
Despite those perceived flaws, Hardy emerged as a strong scorer with the Ignite against tougher competition than those at the collegiate level. He scored in double figures in each of his last eight games, including a season-high 31 points and nine assists on Jan. 28.
Hardy will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock between now and the NBA draft on June 23. He could be a candidate to participate in the draft combine in May and private workouts with teams. He certainly doesn’t lack confidence and that figures to help him along the way.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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