2020 NBA Draft: Aussie Josh Green officially joins LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton in planning to turn professional
Rising Aussie star Josh Green has confirmed he plans to turn professional after joining the likes of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton in entering the 2020 NBA Draft in June.
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Aussie basketball prodigy Josh Green will enter the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old announced after one season at Arizona he would forgo his college eligibility in the hope of landing on an NBA team.
When the draft will be is anyone’s guess, thanks to the COVID-19 shutdown, but Green won’t have to worry too much, with NBA teams set to salivate over his versatile skillset, packed into a 198cm, 95kg NBA-ready body.
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“Ever since I was a little kid in Australian, it’s been a goal of mine to play in the NBA,” Green wrote on Twitter.
“I’m proud to take a step closer to that dream.
“After careful consideration with those closest to me, I’ve made the decision to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.
“To everyone, near and far, who continues to believe in me, thank you, I won’t let you down.”
Green, all but a lock for the Boomers’ Tokyo Olympic campaign in 2021, is considered an NBA lottery pick, projected to go anywhere from late in the top 10, to in the mid-20s.
The Draft is scheduled to take place on June 25 and is expected to be prolific for Australian basketball, as well as a huge boost for the NBL as a launching pad for future NBA stars.
Los Angeles-born 18-year-old LaMelo Ball is a potential number one pick and RJ Hampton, a 19-year-old from Texas, is expected to be a top 20 selection. Ball played for the Illawarra Hawks and Hampton suited up for the New Zealand Breakers in the past NBL season to prepare for the Draft and NBA.
Another Australian, 211cm tall 19-year-old Makur Maker, is also expected to have his name called out in the Draft.
The Sydney-born Green does a little bit of everything, averaging 11.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game in the recent coronavirus-shortened college season, draining the three at 36 per cent.
Green caught the attention of NBA scouts while in high school, named national championships tournament MVP while at IMG Academy, named a McDonald’s All American and impressing at the Nike Hoops Summit.