Mojave King, Josh Giddey on college radar in post-NBA Academy Games triumph
Following the triumph of Australia's NBA Global Academy at the third NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, two prospects have been gathering steady interest from recruiting colleges.
Mojave King, whom Evan Daniels of 247Sports described as the best prospect at the recent NBA Academy Games, is an athletic wing whose speed and athleticism stood out above the competition during the tournament. King was the leading scorer during the games, and also showed his outside stroke off at a clip of 50% (18/36).
https://pickandroll.com.au/watch-nba-academy-games-2019/
“I think I’ve been playing really well,” King said. “I think I’ve been shooting the ball well, getting to the rim, passing well, finding my teammates, and we’ve been winning games, so I think it’s going well so far.”
King's father, Leonard told 247Sports that multiple colleges have established contact, and include Iowa, TCU, Louisville, LSU, St. Mary’s, SMU, UCF, Charlotte, Arizona, Portland, USC, UConn, , Oklahoma, Colorado, George Washington, Ole Miss, Maryland and Miami.
The Brisbane forward is not planning to make his decision soon, however. “I’m still in year 11 in Australia, so probably mid next year in my senior year, I’ll decide.”
Olgun Uluc of Fox Sports Australia, has reported Giddey receiving interest from multiple colleges including Louisville, Wake Forest, Baylor.
The 6'7 point guard --whose father is former NBL Melbourne Tiger Warrick Giddey-- had a standout performance throughout the NBA Academy Games, establishing himself as a savvy playmaker and and versatile scorer who does not require the ball to be effective.
During the NBA Academy Games, Giddey shot 67.6% (25/37) from the field, and averaged 10 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 6 games played.
“I’m a tall guard which is an advantage," Giddey shared. "I have played point guard all my life but have kind of started playing more off-the-ball with the Academy.
“I am best at playmaking, whether it’s for myself or for a teammate. I would also see myself as a pass-first guard but also a very capable scorer.”
Uluc also shared that the guard had reportedly picked an offer up from the TCU Horned Frogs, where Sudanese-Australian wing, Kouat Noi last played at.
“I’m looking forward to just getting to see the schools and the facilities and what first best for me,” Giddey said.
Both King and Giddey are currently listed as being in the class of 2021.