NBA 2020 draft prospect Terry Armstrong and 2019 draftee Marcos Louzada heading to NBL
The NBL’s Next Stars program continues to reap rich rewards for Australian clubs, with newcomers South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Sydney Kings the latest clubs to benefit.
South East Melbourne Phoenix and Sydney Kings are the latest NBL teams to plunge into NBA draft prospect pool.
Newcomers Phoenix have signing excitement machine Terry Armstrong while the Kings have landed Brazilian guard Marcos “Didi” Louzada.
Armstrong, a 198cm wing, likened to NBA superstar Kevin Durant in high school, has elected to bypass college and turn professional.
Louzada, who went 35th overall to Atlanta in the 2019 draft before his rights were sent to New Orleans, will have English tutoring and also gets an NBA out clause that will allow him to join the NBA after a season in Australia.
The duo will join Illawarra Hawks’ LaMelo Ball and New Zealand Breakers’ RJ Hampton as the third NBA prospect to play in the NBL under its Next Stars program.
Former Sydney Kings livewire Brian Bowen II, the league’s first official Next Stars graduate, signed a two-way contract with Indiana Pacers this week.
OKC Thunder young gun Terrence Ferguson broke the mould in 2016-17, suiting up with Adelaide 36ers.
Armstrong, who locked horns with Ball in high school, is slated as a potential second round NBA 2020 draft prospect.
Inaugural Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell has backed Armstrong to have an immediate impact in the NBL.
“I love what I am hearing about his personality and work ethic,” Mitchell said.
Spring-heeled guard Armstrong has built a reputation for being aggressive at both ends of the floor, able to attack the lane but also make his own shot.
He averaged 20.4 points and 5.3 rebounds last year in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, shooting at 45 per cent from the field.
Originally published as NBA 2020 draft prospect Terry Armstrong and 2019 draftee Marcos Louzada heading to NBL