Salaün is reportedly now viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the NBA draft after a strong finish to his season with Cholet Basket.
Tidjane Salaün, a 6-foot-9 forward from France, is now viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft after a strong run with Cholet Basket.
Salaün, who will turn 19 in August, dazzled in his latest performance, producing 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal in a win over Paris in Game 1 of the French League playoffs. He finished 8-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range.
Salaun clearly didn’t hurt his draft stock, and a big contingent of NBA executives is now en route to France to take in the rest of the LNB quarterfinals, where both him and potential No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher are competing against Parisian-based teams, making for one-stop scouting shopping for lottery teams.
Salaün is averaging 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 40.5% shooting from the field in 52 games. He started 38 games between all league competitions and is among the leaders on the team in scoring and rebounding.
He has dazzled this season with his ability to handle the ball in transition, drive and finish at the rim. He crashes the glass on both ends of the court with force and can defend multiple positions with his reported 7-foot, 2-inch wingspan.
With Cholet Basket still competing in the playoffs, Salaün likely won’t arrive in the United States until later this month at the earliest. He will have the opportunity to meet with teams for interviews and workouts once his season is over.
Adama Bal will reportedly withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Santa Clara for his senior year.
Adama Bal will reportedly withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Santa Clara for his senior year, according to Jacob Myers on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The 6-foot-7 guard was named to the All-WCC first team after averaging 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 35.4% shooting from 3-point range this past season. He registered nine 20-point games, including a season-high 28 points on Jan. 6 in a win over Pepperdine.
NEWS: Adama Bal will withdraw his name from the 2024 NBA Draft and return to Santa Clara for his senior year, per source. The 6'7 French guard earned First Team All-WCC honors in a breakout junior season where he averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. pic.twitter.com/ibYvoL2QJd
Bal took advantage of his increased role with the Broncos after playing sparingly over his first two years at Arizona. He started every game for the first time and ranked seventh in the conference in scoring and eighth in assists per game.
He will have the opportunity to return to school and work on his overall game based on the feedback received from team executives in interviews. He projects to be on several player award watchlists next season with the Broncos.
His return figures to be a big addition to the Broncos’ roster next season. The team is expected to retain much of its roster while adding transfer Carlos Stewart from LSU.
The Kansas City #Chiefs “crushed” their 2024 opponents in a creative schedule reveal on Wednesday night.
The Kansas City Chiefs have crushed opponents on their path to wins in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, and decided to use a hydraulic press to reveal their 2024 schedule on Wednesday evening.
Though their first two matchups of the season were revealed earlier this week, and news broke about their Christmas Day matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this morning, the rest of Kansas City’s schedule wasn’t made public.
On Twitter, the Chiefs posted a video of items representing their 2024 opponents being crushed by the hydraulic press as a creative way to release their schedule.
Check out the unique video below:
In honor of crushing it last season, we’re revealing our 2024 schedule by… well, you know. pic.twitter.com/hVpI4GQNlN
Despite the extreme difficulty of its 2024 schedule, Kansas City has plenty of reasons to be confident heading into its Super Bowl defense campaign next season.
General manager Brett Veach has revamped the Chiefs’ receiving corps, and with many of the team’s key players returning for a chance to three-peat as champions, the sky remains the limit for Kansas City.
Sheppard reminded everyone watching at the draft combine, including himself, that he can jump with the best of them.
Projected lottery pick Reed Sheppard emerged as one of the top performers in the strength and agility testing this week at the NBA draft combine in Chicago, Illinois.
Sheppard, who measured in at 6 feet, 1 3/4 inches without shoes, registered the 14th-fastest three-quarter sprint at 3.08 seconds. He finished eighth in the standing vertical jump (32 1/2 inches) and was tied for the highest max vertical jump (42 inches).
The 19-year-old occasionally flashed that athleticism throughout this past season at Kentucky, but he was mostly known as an elite shooter and defender. He reminded everyone watching, including himself, that he can jump with the best of them.
“I don’t know if I was really expecting it, but it was pretty cool seeing that,” Sheppard said. “They must have messed something up, there is no way I jumped that high. It was pretty cool seeing the 42 on the board after I did jump.”
Reed Sheppard measured a 42 inch max vertical leap. Best at the NBA draft combine so far. pic.twitter.com/MhQsWsDFJG
Sheppard was named the SEC Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals on 52.1% shooting from 3-point range. He had seven 20-point games, including a season-high 32 points and the game-winning shot on Feb. 27 against Mississippi State.
The 6-foot-3 guard led the country in 3-point percentage and finished 10th in total steals (82). He was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals and 75 3-pointers, and just the second in program history with 80 or more steals in a season.
He brings versatility with him to the next level as a combo guard. He doesn’t have a preferred position at this juncture of his career and is willing to fit in anywhere on the court.
I’m good with whatever. It doesn’t matter what I have to do as long as we’re winning and everyone is having fun. I said it going into Kentucky: I don’t care if I have to pass the ball, shoot the ball or get some water for the guys. Whatever it takes for the team to win, I’ll do.
Sheppard started the season considered a potential lottery pick. He has seen his stock rise and is gaining momentum to be selected in the top five after a strong campaign with the Wildcats. He is even in the conversation by some to be the No. 1 pick.
The sharpshooter isn’t concerned with his potential stock, with over a month to go until the draft on June 26-27. He is just trying to improve as much as possible on the court and showcase himself at a high level in workouts and interviews.
“I’m just going to focus on this next month and just try to become the best player that I can and continue to get better and continue to get in the gym and really through all of this just have fun and enjoy it,” Sheppard said. “At the end of the day, no matter what happens, right now, I’m at the NBA combine. Not a lot of people can say they do this or work out with teams and have interviews with these teams and organizations.”
Shannon Jr. addressed the charges brought against him for the first time on Tuesday at the NBA draft combine.
Former Illinois standout Terrence Shannon Jr. addressed the charges brought against him for the first time on Tuesday at the NBA draft combine and said he understands the severity of them.
Shannon was ordered by a Kansas judge last week to stand trial on first-degree felony rape and sexual aggravated battery charges on June 10. The judge ruled at the preliminary hearing that there was probable cause for the trial to proceed.
He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman on Sept. 8 in Lawrence, Kansas, while he was in town for an Illinois football game. The woman informed police about the incident the following day after identifying Shannon through a Google search.
“Obviously, it’s a real serious accusation, and I’m aware of that,” Shannon said, via WCIA-TV in Champaign, Illinois. “I can’t go into much detail about it, but I’m just focused on what I can control and that is basketball, what I do on the court, in the weight room and with my family.”
Shannon was suspended indefinitely by Illinois in December after his arrest. He returned after missing six games when he received a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, who ruled the program didn’t provide him due process at his school hearing.
The 23-year-old finished the season, leading the Fighting Illini to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005. He didn’t participate in media interviews following his arrest and had been silent until speaking Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois.
“I have a trial on June 10,” said Shannon, who fielded questions from reporters for about 25 minutes. “I can’t really talk much about it, but I’m looking forward to my day in court.”
Shannon was voted a third-team All-American by the Associated Press after averaging 23 points, four rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal in 32 games this past season as a fifth-year senior. He finished third in the country in scoring and sixth in free throws (221).
He is considered a potential first-round pick this year in the NBA draft. His lawyers have said that his rape trial will be finished by the draft on June 26-27.
“Everybody is going to face adversity in their life, but it is all about how you respond to it,” Shannon said. “It is all about how you respond to it. You can’t just sit and pout. You got to just face it head-on and I feel like it has made me a better leader.”
Holland entered the season projected to be the No. 1 pick and the 18-year-old believes that is still the case.
Ron Holland II entered the season widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, and the 18-year-old from the G League Ignite still believes that assessment.
Holland averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field. He set the Ignite single-season record for steals (69), 30-point games (4) and 20-point games (16) while finishing second in points (565).
The 6-foot-4 forward established himself as a versatile player who can score, defend at a high level and get others involved. He possesses the physical tools and athleticism to pave the way for a smooth transition to the next level.
Holland, speaking Tuesday at the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois, believes it is some of those qualities that make him a prime candidate to be the first player off the board on June 26.
I think, before (the start of this season), I was considered to go top-five (or) top-10 in this draft class and I feel like nothing really has changed. My mentality hasn’t changed. I was able to prove that with the Ignite. Prior to all of the losing that we did, I feel like every night I showed up and was able to either dominate or, if I had a bad game, there were spurts in that bad game to where I was able to show why I should be No. 1.
The former consensus five-star prospect saw his stock slip a bit over the course of the season, dropping to the mid-to-late lottery range. He dealt with turnover issues, committing three per game, and struggled with his shooting after converting 24% from 3-point range.
He was also limited to 29 games after undergoing season-ending surgery in February to repair a ruptured tendon in his right thumb. However, he is now considered fully healthy and is expected to fully participate in the predraft process.
Holland will attempt to convince teams in interviews and workouts why he should be one of the first players drafted. He believes he is the most versatile prospect in the draft class and has several attributes that make him highly coveted.
I would say my energy, for sure. That is one thing about me people always talk about: The way I just light up a dark room and walk into a gym and people know that I’m in there. I’m always bringing joy to the court. I think my willingness to win, my competitiveness. I’m always trying to win anything competitive, whether it is free throws, shooting, running or conditioning. … If I’m competing, I know for a fact that it is going to make others compete, and now we’re all getting better.
He may not ultimately be the top pick in the draft, but Holland projects to have a bright future ahead at the next level. He was once viewed as one of the top recruits out of high school and will soon have the chance to prove himself against his peers.
He, instead, just wants to create his own path on the hardwood.
Bronny announced on April 5 that he would test the draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal following the departure of USC head coach Andy Enfield. He is among the 80-plus prospects participating in the combine in front of executives and scouts this week in Chicago, Illinois.
The 19-year-old confirmed he hasn’t met or worked out with any teams in the predraft process. However, he revealed what he wants executives to know about him when speaking with a large gathering of reporters at the Wintrust Arena.
I’m a genuine person. I’ve gotten a lot of lessons from my mom and my dad but also just putting that Bronny James narrative out there more instead of just being LeBron James’ son. I think that is really important for me.
Bronny was cleared to participate in the draft combine on Monday by a panel of three physicians. He was unanimously approved after he was diagnosed with an “anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect” following a cardiac arrest in July.
He was sidelined for four months following that medical event. He eventually debuted with the Trojans on Dec. 10 after missing the first 11 games of the season, recording four points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 16 minutes.
After going through such a serious health situation, Bronny expressed his gratitude for playing 25 games this past season and for being among the draft hopefuls performing this week.
I think it all is just a great thing to happen to me in terms of just being grateful for everything and stuff like that. I’ve put in the work and stuff like that to get back, so I feel like I’ve earned the opportunity. I’m extremely grateful for everything that has been given to me.
Bronny dazzled on Monday in various on-court shooting drills after hitting 19-of-25 shot attempts in the 3-point star drill. He measured in at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches barefoot, with a 6-foot, 7 1/4-inch wingspan, and registered a 40 1/2-inch vertical jump.
He produced four points, four rebounds and two steals on 2-of-8 shooting from the field in 19 minutes in his first scrimmage game on Tuesday. He looked to be in outstanding shape and was comfortable against his peers despite only making 25% of his attempts.
Bronny, who has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and return to college, will know more about his stock after the combine. He was viewed as a potential first-round pick before his health situation and is attempting to show teams why he deserves to be drafted this year.
He has been heavily linked to the Lakers because of his father, who previously stated his goal was to be teammates with him before retiring. LeBron said he hadn’t thought much about it after the Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs.
Bronny, who didn’t participate in media interviews this past season at USC, had the opportunity to address the potential pairing with his father and said it hasn’t ever been his dream to play with him.
My dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and get to the NBA, which is everyone’s end goal that’s here. I never thought about just playing with my dad, but of course, he has brought it up a couple of times. But yeah, I don’t think about it much.
Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 36.6% shooting from the field with the Trojans. He scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 15 points and three assists on Dec. 30 in a loss to Oregon State.
He said he would take his time with his looming deadline and figure out where his heart wants him to be. He said often throughout his nearly 20-minute media availability that he was happy to just be playing basketball, something that will undoubtedly weigh into his decision.
In other words: He will be focused on building his name and career.
“I would be happy about getting to the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad,” Bronny said. “That’s not my mindset right now at all. I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes me from there.”
Topić reportedly avoided a serious left knee injury on Monday while playing with Crvena zvezda in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals.
Projected top-five pick Nikola Topić reportedly avoided a serious left knee injury on Monday while playing with Crvena zvezda in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Topić sustained the non-contact injury in the third quarter against Partizan and had to be helped off the court by teammates. He was reportedly diagnosed with a sprain and will likely miss the remainder of the series.
The 18-year-old is expected be a full participant in workouts and interviews with teams ahead of the 2024 NBA draft on June 26-27. He will also conduct medical testing and other on-court activities at the NBA Global Camp on June 6 in Treviso, Italy.
NEWS: Projected top-10 pick Nikola Topic has avoided serious injury, sources told ESPN. Initial diagnosis revealed a sprained left knee which likely rules him out of the remainder of the Adriatic League finals. Should be a full participant in NBA pre-draft activities in June. pic.twitter.com/Uwz6a7HLWh
Topić missed four months after suffering a ligament injury to the same knee in January. He has played in four games since returning on April 22, including Monday, averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals.
The 6-foot-6 guard was named the ABA League Top Prospect after averaging 15 points, 5.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds on 49.8% shooting from the field in 22 games this season. He joined Nikola Jokić, Goga Bitadze and Nikola Jović as previous players to win the award.
Topić is projected to be a high pick after dazzling this season in a limited sample size. He brings great size to the next level and is likely more advanced than other prospects, given his professional experience in Serbia, which started when he was 16.
Projected top-five pick Nikola Topić was helped off the court after suffering an apparent knee injury in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals.
Projected top-five pick Nikola Topić was helped off the court on Monday after suffering an apparent left knee injury with Crvena zvezda in Game 1 of the ABA League Finals.
Topić sustained the non-contact injury in the third quarter against Partizan after landing awkwardly on the court. He remained on the ground for a few moments and eventually had to be assisted off the court to the locker room.
The 18-year-old recently returned after missing four months with a ligament injury to the same knee. The extent of the injury isn’t known or how it will affect his availability for the rest of the series.
Topić was named the ABA League Top Prospect after averaging 15 points, 5.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds on 49.8% shooting from the field in 22 games this season. He joined Nikola Jokić, Goga Bitadze and Nikola Jović as previous players to win the award.
He is projected to be a high pick after dazzling this season in a limited sample size. He brings great size to the next level and is likely more advanced than other prospects, given his professional experience in Serbia, which started when he was 16.
Teams will certainly monitor the latest setback to Topić and determine if it can potentially affect his draft stock. The severity of the injury should become known in the coming days following additional testing and examination.
The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.
