"NBL option is definitely out": Makur Maker focused on NBA and college options

It sounds like Makur Maker will not be considering the NBL as a next option.

In a recent conversation with Josh Gershon of 247Sports, the Sudanese-Australian big man confirmed Australia would not be an option.

"Yeah, the NBL option is definitely out," Maker, who currently plays at Irvine Pacific Academy, said. "Australia was an option, but not anymore. Right now, it’s just between college and going to the NBA."

It sounds like we will not see the 19 year old playing in Australia, or for the NBL's Next Stars program, for now.

Update: Maker also clarified his stand on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/MakurMaker/status/1197619791155957760

The 6'11 Maker, who is the cousin of Detroit big man Thon Maker, is currently petitioning the NBA to be included in the upcoming draft, with the support of the NBA Players' Association (NBPA), who expect the forward to get approved. A timeline on the decision is unknown, and Maker has mentioned that it could be "mid-season or anytime sooner."

Makur Maker was recently listed in ESPN's Jonathon Givony's 2020 NBA Draft rankings at 33rd, alongside other elite Australian basketball-centric prospects like Josh Green, LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton. He was formerly at 21st in the 2021 mock draft, prior to his bid for reclassification. Maker did point out that his entry into the 2020 draft will depend on his potential draft position, with US college --he mentioned that Howard was a "big option"-- being the next potential opportunity.

"I feel like I’m a top three player in this class and if I don’t like my position I’m heading to college."