Former Warriors’ big man Andrew Bogut breaks down LaMelo Ball’s game

In a recent interview, former Warriors’ center Andrew Bogut offered a scouting report on LaMelo Ball.

With the college basketball season over due to the coronavirus, the NBA has turned attention to the upcoming draft. Anthony Edwards, Onyeka Okongwu and Obi Toppin are currently billed as top prospects from the college level.

Yet, there is a steady crop of prospects coming from outside of the NCAA’s realm. Names like Killian Hayes, Deni Avdija and RJ Hampton will be popular when the draft rolls around in June.

Another name ready to make the jump to the NBA is LaMelo Ball. The youngest Ball brother spent the past season playing for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League.

In the NBL, Ball and the Hawks faced off against the Golden State Warriors’ former center Andrew Bogut.

With the Warriors slated to own a top pick in the 2020 draft, Bogut offered up a scouting report on Ball in an interview with Damon Bruce, Ray Ratto and Matt Kolsky on San Francisco’s 95.7 The Game.

I saw a little bit of him. He played really well against us one game. He has a great ability to get into the paint from the guard position — can handle the ball very, very well and I think his passing and playmaking is at an elite level already. Obviously, his jump shot — which has been talked about a lot — will determine on how well he goes in his career. I think it’s very inconsistent from three, and it’s kind of a herky-jerky shot that he’ll probably have to fix much like his brother has. His brother is shooting the ball very, very well with New Orleans this season. I think his playmaking and the way he runs a team for a guy that young really stood out for me. The defense has to improve, but I think that’ll change with coaching and development in a good NBA program. But he’s looking at a chance to be a No. 1 pick or a top-five, top-ten pick. It’s great for our league to know that he came over here and played and we hope he does very, very well in the NBA.

In one game against Bogut and the Sydney Kings, Ball tallied 16 points on 7-of-19 shooting from the field in 27 minutes. The Chino Hills product added six assists and six rebounds for the Hawks. Bogut recorded five points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes for the Kings.

With Golden State’s need for a scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Ball could be an intriguing option at the top of the draft for the Warriors.

[lawrence-related id=24153,19961]

[lawrence-related id=23914]

John Petty releases heartfelt statement about entering NBA Draft

Kira Lewis Jr. announced he was entering the 2020 NBA Draft while also retaining his remaining eligibility. Hours later, John Petty did too.

On Wednesday morning, Alabama basketball player Kira Lewis Jr. took to announce his decision to enter the 2020 NBA Draft while also retaining his remaining collegiate eligibility. Less than a few hours later, John Petty did the same.

View this post on Instagram

🙏🏾 #RollTide🤞🏾

A post shared by John Petty (@_johnpetty23) on Mar 25, 2020 at 11:13am PDT

Petty, who is a junior, has continued to impress each and every year. This season alone, he averaged 14.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He played in 29 games, starting 28 of them.

Both is freshman and sophomore season, he averaged 10.2 points. His field goal percentage continued to improve each season as well. He started with a 39.3 percent field goal percentage as a freshman in 2017 and finished this season with a 46.2 percent field goal percentage.

But that’s not all. This season, he led the Crimson Tide in scoring (18.5 ppg), assists (5.2 apg), steals (1.8 spg) minutes (37.6 mpg) and field goals made (206) and attempted (449) in 2019-20. He also led the SEC in minutes played and three-point shooting percentage (.440).

As of right now, the NBA Draft is still slated to be held on Thursday June 25th, but Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on if that changed due to the coronavirus.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Kira Lewis Jr. releases statement entering NBA Draft

It was originally reported yesterday by Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News that Alabama guards Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty would be “tes…

It was originally reported yesterday by Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News, through Alabama head coach Nate Oats, that guards Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty would be “testing the NBA waters.”

Less than a day later Lewis, who just wrapped up sophomore season in Tuscaloosa, took to Twitter t announce his decision to enter the 2020 NBA Draft while also retaining his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Lewis, who reclassified to join the 2018 class, began playing at Alabama as a 17-year-old, but despite his youth, he instantly became a leader and a fan-favorite.

In his two years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis average 34.5 minutes, a field goal percentage of 44.7 percent, 1,031 total points, 260 assists and only 183 turnovers.

In his message, Lewis thanks everyone from the fans, who he claims are the “best fans in college basketball” to his coaches, teammates and family.

Philippians 4:13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"❤️🤝 pic.twitter.com/ExkTs67ZcL

— Kira Lewis Jr. (@Mr_Lewis3) March 25, 2020

There is only one piece bolded within the message: “I have decided to enter the NBA draft process while keeping my eligibility”.

Could this mean a potential return from Lewis? Likely not, according to the tweet shared by Hurt from Oats on Tuesday:

Nate Oats @nate_oats says John Petty and Kira Lewis will both place names into NBA Draft. “We may not have either of them back. There’s so much up in the air.” Says it will be “a pleasant surprise”if either returns. @AlabamaMBB

— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) March 24, 2020

It seems as if the Lewis era in Tuscaloosa is coming to an end, but his legacy will remain.

He was one of the few consistent pieces during a time of uncertainty, which means he will be remembered at Alabama as a pioneer of change within a program that was desperately in need of a new look.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Kenyon Martin’s son declares for 2020 NBA Draft out of IMG Academy

Kenyon Martin Jr., whose father was once a member of the New Jersey Nets, has elected to forgo college and declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

The 2020 NBA Draft marks 20 years since the New Jersey Nets selected Kenyon Martin out of the University of Cincinnati with the No. 1 overall pick. Four of Martin’s 15 years in the NBA were spent in New Jersey. His one NBA All-Star selection came in his final year with the Nets, and Martin averaged 15.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game throughout his New Jersey career.

But Martin’s days in the NBA are well behind him now. It’s his son’s turn to make an impression on the league.

Martin told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that his son, Kenyon Martin Jr., will not go to college, and he is declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft out of IMG Academy.

Martin Jr. posted the update on Instagram, as well:

View this post on Instagram

First, I would like to thank god for blessing me with the ability to play the game that I love. I would like to thank my family for being here every step of the way. I would also like to thank the coaching staff, the weight trainers, my teammates, and everyone at IMG who helped me through that chapter of my life. I appreciate everyone who has supported me and my decisions is up to this point. There was a lot of hate and doubt about my journey but I feel I’ve done what was best for me and now is the time to take the next step which is to Declare for the 2020 NBA Draft. It has been a lifelong dream of mine and I will continue to work day by day to prove to myself and everyone that this is where I belong. THE NEXT CHAPTER STARTS NOW LETS GET IT‼️

A post shared by KJ Martin (@kenyonmartinjr) on Mar 24, 2020 at 8:12pm PDT

Martin, a wing, measures in at 6-foot-7.

Two Alabama basketball players will test NBA waters

It looks like Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty will test the NBA waters, according to Alabama head coach Nate Oats.

Alabama sophomore Kira Lewis Jr. and junior John Petty will give the 2020 NBA Draft process a go, according to a quote Cecil Hurt heard from Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats on Tuesday.

Hurt shared the news to his Twitter account while also adding that Oats stated that it would be a “pleasant surprise” if either player returned:

Nate Oats @nate_oats says John Petty and Kira Lewis will both place names into NBA Draft. “We may not have either of them back. There’s so much up in the air.” Says it will be “a pleasant surprise”if either returns. @AlabamaMBB

— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) March 24, 2020

Losing both Lewis and Petty would be a major blow to Alabama, as that combination was two of the team’s top three scorers from last season. As if that wasn’t enough, they were also the Tide’s top two three-point shooters.

There is a silver lining, however.

Former five-star point guard Jahvon Quinerly, who transferred from Villanova prior to the 2019-20 season, will be eligible next season after having his waiver denied by the NCAA.

On top of that news, JUCO transfer James Rojas and former four-star Juwan Gary, who was Alabama’s top recruit in the 2019 class according to Rivals.com, will be back from season-ending injuries this past season.

Combine their presence with standouts Jaden Shackelford and Herb Jones, as well as newcomers such as Keon Ambrose-Hylton, and it’s possible that the Crimson Tide could push for a NCAA Tournament spot in 2020-21.

It would help to have either Lewis or Petty (or both) return, however.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Bleacher Report releases NBA mock draft: Where does Anthony Edwards go?

Bleacher Report released its latest NBA mock draft….where does Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards go.

Georgia basketball sensation Anthony Edwards has a chance to become the university’s first No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick.

Whenever the draft may be, it’s a lock that Edwards will go within the first three picks, but most expect him to be taken at that No. 1 position, which could very well be held by the Golden State Warriors.

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report released its NBA mock draft and had Edwards taken No. 1 by the Warriors, followed by Memphis center James Wiseman to Cleveland and LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.

On Edwards, BR wrote:

Although the Bulldogs struggled this season, the 18-year-old had an impressive showing. He started all 32 of their games, averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. He shot 40.2 percent from the field and was strong from the free-throw line, where he shot 77.2 percent.

Last year, it was clear that Duke forward Zion Williamson was the consensus top player in the draft class. Edwards’ case isn’t quite as strong, but he’s an exciting prospect who could continue to get better with time and likely has a high ceiling.

And if it’s Golden State that selects Edwards, he will be learning from veteran guards Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, two of the best in the game.

If a star player like Edwards can come into Georgia’s historically average basketball program and maintain his projected draft position while packing Stegeman Coliseum to the brim, it shows young local talent that they can do the same and receive that fanfare and adoration similar to Edwards’.

Edwards going No. 1 overall could prove huge for the future of Georgia of basketball.

Michigan State F Xavier Tillman Sr. to ‘test the waters’ of 2020 NBA Draft process

MSU’s star big man Xavier Tillman will test the waters of the 2020 NBA Draft while still keeping his options open.

[jwplayer ccyPHNHa]

We know that Cassius Winston’s career at Michigan State is now over, but the big question marks were always going to be around Xavier Tillman and Aaron Henry. One of those players, Xavier Tillman Sr., announced on Tuesday that he will be testing the waters of the 2020 NBA Draft process, but will still be keeping the option open to return for his final season.

Both Tillman and Henry still have availability but both players also have plenty of buzz around their NBA Draft potential, with various mock drafts projecting them to be late first round to mid-second round draft picks.

Tillman’s versatility on both ends of the court, coupled with his innate basketball intelligence, makes him a prime target for the modern NBA. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year has a lot to offer an NBA team and I expect that he will find enough positive feedback in the draft process to officially declare for the draft, but time will tell.

Here is the message that Tillman shared on social media:

💚💚💚 pic.twitter.com/CpD51CVecT

— Xavier Tillman (@Rookiedunker) March 24, 2020

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

March Madness archive: Jordan Poole drills buzzer beater to send Michigan to Sweet 16

Before he was drafted in the first round by the Warriors, Jordan Poole knocked down a game-winning shot at the Buzzer to send Michigan to the Sweet 16.

The first two rounds of the NCAA tournament is marked as a holiday weekend for basketball fans across the country. However, there will be no March Madness this time around due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With no brackets being busted, Warriors Wire is highlighting standout March performances from members on the current Golden State roster.

Before he was selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Jordan Poole was coming off the bench for the Michigan Wolverines.

In 2018, Poole turned into a March Madness icon overnight. In the second round of the tournament, Michigan linked up with the sixth-seeded Houston Cougars. The round of 32 matchup turned into a classic.

Michigan and Houston exchanged haymakers throughout the game, but in the final minute, thing were notched at 61. Back-to-back free throws from Devin Davis gave the Cougars a two-point lead with 24 seconds on the clock. Luckily for Michigan, Davis missed his next set of free throws to give the Wolverines the ball back down two.

With four seconds left, Poole checked into the game. Michigan heaved the ball to the half-court line where Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman found Poole open behind the 3-point line.

Poole launched a shot deep beyond the arc that swished through the net as time expired. The 18-year-old freshman was mobbed by his teammates as they danced to the Sweet-16 with a 64-63 win. Poole finished the game with eight points in 11 minutes for Michigan.

Watch Poole’s epic game-winner via YouTube:

Poole’s Wolverines advanced all the way to the championship game, where they met Eric Paschall’s Villanova Wildcats. Jay Wright and Villanova cruised to a 79-62 victory to bring a banner back to Philadelphia.

[lawrence-related id=24143]

[lawrence-related id=23854]

Potential Warriors top prospect target declares for the 2020 NBA Draft

Top-prospect Anthony Edwards has officially declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors are in line to hold a top-pick in the NBA draft. With no March Madness tournament and the college basketball season over due to the coronavirus pandemic, prospects are starting to declare for the NBA draft.

Star freshman Anthony Edwards has officially entered his name into the 2020 draft. In his first season of college basketball, the potential first overall pick averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 32 games for the Bulldogs.

pic.twitter.com/jBcQdncmtB

— Anthony Edwards (@theantman05) March 20, 2020

The 18-year-old guard shot 40.2 % from the field and 29.4 % from beyond the arc during his first season in the SEC. Edwards racked up three games of 30 or more points for the Bulldogs, with his career-high of 37 coming against the highly ranked Michigan State Spartans in the Maui Invitational Tournament.

The No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA draft?@theantman05 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ulPYK86u0Z

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) March 20, 2020

The freshman is a streaky shooter, drilling six and seven 3-pointers in single games this season, but he did finish the final 10 games of his college career, only shooting 21.9% from long distance.

Anthony Edwards w/quick L–>R crossover between the legs right into shooting motion. Turns hips to left as well on release. This being in his arsenal is lethal. pic.twitter.com/f4K4iz5Ba9

— Mitch Libanoff (@Mitch_Libanoff) November 7, 2019

The Atlanta native is valued for his playmaking skills, whether he’s slashing downhill to the basket or trying to open up the floor for his teammates. The young combo guard was the focal point in Athens, yet he only recorded over five assists once in his career. At the next level, his passing numbers could rise. Still, the freshman’s explosive nature will quickly catch the attention of the NBA.

Dominant two-way sequence from Anthony Edwards. Gets the deflection, forces a steal and then the huge windmill dunk pic.twitter.com/Co9gHeYdaQ

— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) February 1, 2020

At 6-foot-5 225 lbs and only 18-years-old, Edwards would give Steve Kerr a piece of clay to mold into the Warriors core. Whether he’s riding next to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in the backcourt or leading the offensive attack for Golden State’s bench unit, Edwards is an exciting name to watch leading up to June.

Coming soon to Mission Bay? pic.twitter.com/ajcse7U6Ox

— Tommy Call III (@tommy_III) February 23, 2020

[lawrence-related id=19961]

[lawrence-related id=23914]

The last time each NBA team won the draft lottery

Here’s the last time each NBA team won the lottery.

With the NBA season in limbo for the time being because of the coronavirus, we don’t know exactly when basketball will be back or when the next NBA draft will be.

One thing we do know, though, is that the college basketball season is over and the opportunities for teams to scout prospects has dwindled pretty much down to nothing, so it’s time to get ready for the draft. Right now, the Golden State Warriors have the highest odds to win this year’s lottery, but you never know how the balls will bounce.

With all that in mind, we thought it’d be a great time to revisit when each NBA last won the draft lottery, starting with the teams most likely to win this one.

2020 lottery teams (for now):

Warriors

Last lottery win: 1995
Selection: Joe Smith
Chance to win in 2020: 14%

Cavaliers

Last lottery win: 2014
Selection: Andrew Wiggins
Chance to win in 2020: 14%

Timberwolves

Last lottery win: 2015
Selection: Karl-Anthony Towns
Chance to win in 2020: 14%

Hawks

The Hawks have never won the NBA Draft Lottery
Chance to win in 2020: 12.5%

Pistons

The Pistons have never won the NBA Draft Lottery
Chance to win in 2020: 10.5%

Knicks

Last lottery win: 1985
Selection: Patrick Ewing
Chance to win in 2020: 9.0%

Bulls

Last lottery win: 2008
Selection: Derrick Rose
Chance to win in 2020: 7.5%

Hornets

Last lottery win: 1991
Selection: Larry Johnson
Chance to win in 2020: 6.0%

Wizards

Last lottery win: 2010
Selection: John Wall
Chance to win in 2020: 4.5%

Suns

Last lottery win: 2018
Selection: Deandre Ayton
Chance to win in 2020: 3.0%

Spurs

Last lottery win: 1997
Selection: Tim Duncan
Chance to win in 2020: 2.0%

Kings

Last lottery win: 1989
Selection: Pervis Ellison
Chance to win in 2020: 1.3%

Pelicans

Last lottery win: 2019
Selection: Zion Williamson
Chance to win in 2020: 1.2%

Blazers

Last lottery win: 2007
Selection: Greg Oden
Chance to win in 2020: .5%

2019 playoff teams:

Mavericks

The Mavericks have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Magic

Last lottery win: 2004
Selection: Dwight Howard

Nets

Last lottery win: 2017 (pick was conveyed to the Celtics, and later the 76ers), 2000 (as New Jersey Nets)
Selection: Kenyon Martin (2000)

Pacers

The Pacers have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Clippers

Last lottery win: 2011’s pick was conveyed to the Cavaliers. Before that, 2009
Selection: Blake Griffin (2009)

Thunder

Neither the Thunder nor the Sonics have ever won the NBA Draft Lottery

Celtics

The Celtics have never won the NBA Draft Lottery, but did receive the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 through a trade with the Nets. Boston then traded the pick to the Sixers.

Jazz

The Jazz have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

76ers

Last lottery win: 2016
Selection: Ben Simmons

Lakers

The Lakers have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Heat

The Heat have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Rockets

Last lottery win: 2002
Selection: Yao Ming

Nuggets

The Nuggets have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Raptors

The Raptors have never won the NBA Draft Lottery

Bucks

Last lottery win: 2005
Selection: Andrew Bogut

[vertical-gallery id=903936]