Makur Maker receives 2020 Nike Hoop Summit invite
South Sudanese-Australian sensation Makur Maker has announced his selection for the World Select team at the 2020 Nike Hoop Summit.
Maker, who is a cousin of Thon and Matur, was previously ranked 21st in ESPN's first 2021 mock draft. However, the 6'11 big man then reclassified to the class of 2020 in October, and applied for NBA draft eligibility. The NBA gave the green light on his appeal on 19 February, but that doesn't mean Maker is destined for this year's draft. His stock has fallen in recent months, following several poor showings in front of executives throughout December and January.
Maker now finds himself at 76th in ESPN's big board for the 2020 draft. This event, including the game itself and a preceding training camp, could therefore have a massive say in his draft stock. The 19 year old has little to lose and everything to gain at the April 10 event in Portland, Oregon. Australian basketball fans will be reassured to see him wearing the national flag emblazoned on his chest.
Maker follows a long list of Aussies who have represented the World Select team at the Hoop Summit. Josh Green is a recent example, having appeared in both the 2018 and 2019 editions. Ben Simmons and Thon Maker played in 2015, while Dante Exum made a name for himself at the 2013 Hoop Summit. If Maker stands out in Portland, he may be headed towards the 2020 NBA draft. If not, college basketball beckons.
Maker has offers from several Division I colleges. Kentucky is the most prominent school showing interest in the big man, but he is yet to make a visit there. The only college Maker has visited thus far is Howard University - in October of last year. He also has offers from the likes of Kansas, UCLA and Oregon. At this stage college is the likely destination for Maker, unless he produces miracles at the Hoop Summit and subsequent draft workouts.