Zeke Nnaji wooed Nuggets by playing piano during pre-draft interview

Nnaji interviewed twice and worked out once with the Nuggets during the pre-draft process and even played the piano for them in one meeting.

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On Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets selected Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Zeke Nnaji from the University of Arizona with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.

Nnaji interviewed twice and worked out once with the Nuggets during the pre-draft process and made quite an impression on the organization during those meetings. During one, in particular, Nnaji even showed off one of his other impressive qualities off the court: Playing the piano.

According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, the 19-year-old was jokingly asked by Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly if he could play a little bit of the piano for them during their virtual meeting. Of course, Nnaji obliged and played for a few minutes.

Nnaji began playing the piano when he was in first grade and said that his grandmother used to be a music teacher. He even showed off his skills on the keys last season when he played the national anthem prior to a Wildcats scrimmage game.

As for getting drafted by the Nuggets, Nnaji was excited to hear his name called.

“It was an incredible moment,” Nnaji said. “I’m so thankful first and foremost for the most high, for all that he’s done for me putting me in this position. I’m extremely blessed, and I know there are so many people that want to be in this position, but for me to be here, me and my family, we’re incredibly thankful.”

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