Thon Maker’s NBA Draft goes from age furore to incredible No.10 pick with Milwaukee Bucks

THE NBA Draft turned in stunning fashion for Thon Maker, with the Australian overcoming an age controversy to snare a shock top-10 pick.

Thon Maker.

THE Milwaukee Bucks have selected Thon Maker with the No.10 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, in the wake of a controversy over the 216cm Australian’s age.

Maker follows in the footsteps of fellow Australia 7-footer, Andrew Bogut, who was drafted to the Bucks with the first overall pick in 2005.

The 19-year-old was a projected late first round pick, but shut down the majority of mock drafts by being taken with the 10th pick.

Thon Maker poses with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 10th overall by the Bucks.

Maker was born in what is now South Sudan, before moving to Perth and Sydney, ultimately ending up in North America. After attending a flurry of schools in the United States, Thon Maker – and his brother, Matur – landed at Athlete Institute in Orangeville, Canada.

An old controversy blew up in the hours before the draft, with a US report claiming Maker had dropped off a number of teams’ draft boards due to them believing he was actually anywhere from 21-24 years-old. The concerns did not dissuade Milwaukee, one of the teams to work out Maker pre-draft.

NBA DRAFT LIVE: SIMMONS, MAKER FUTURES DECIDED

Several teams have entirely ruled Thon Maker out of the first round due to his age. Multiple sources believe Maker to be 21-23, not 19.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 23, 2016

Thon Maker walks on stage after being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Thon Maker celebrates after being drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks general manager, John Hammond, has been impressed with Maker throughout the entire pre-draft process, and will add him to an emerging roster.

Maker will play under NBA legend, Jason Kidd, who recently signed an extension with the team to remain their head coach.

The Bucks have one of the NBA’s best young emerging rosters, and also extremely long; featuring the likes of John Henson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Michael Carter Williams.

Thon Maker smiles after going No.10 in the NBA Draft.

Before the draft, Maker was confident the rumours about his age wouldn’t affect his draft stock, telling foxsports.com.au, “I’m good.”

He said afterwards: “It did get to me in terms of me hearing about it, but it didn’t get to me personally because if it were true, I’d probably be like sideways about it, but it’s not true, so I’m comfortable. I’m not pissed off or -- oh, I’m not angry or anything. I’ve got what I can say and what I can’t say now.”

Maker worked out for 13 teams during the pre-draft process; his final working taking place just two days before the night of the draft.

The 7’1 big-man, who has an extremely unique skillset, wasn’t invited to be a part of the green room; instead, attending the draft with his guardian, Ed Smith, and his younger brother, Matur.

Though they did not ultimately hurt him on draft day, age rumours have long dogged Maker:

At the end of the day, it's hard to prove Thon Maker is older than he claims. It's just the nature of those who migrate from that region

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 23, 2016

Sources in Perth, Australia tell me Thon Maker could be as old as 24. But, again, it's not something that can be proven, either way

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 23, 2016

Personally, I believe Thon Maker when he says he's 19. Unfortunately, this rumour has been around for a while, and is difficult to verify

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) June 23, 2016

I first saw Thon Maker in 2012 in LA. His physical progression from then to now has been very similar to what you'd expect from age 15 to 19

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 23, 2016

Check his DX measurements: https://t.co/e9jptMapQo. In 2013, he was 191 pounds. Around 216-220 now. Would be surprised if he's much older.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 23, 2016

Originally published as Thon Maker’s NBA Draft goes from age furore to incredible No.10 pick with Milwaukee Bucks