Big 12 Basketball Well-Represented in ESPN Mock Draft
The Big 12 was well represented in the first round of ESPN’s latest 2023 NBA Mock Draft, released on Wednesday with input from the recent scouting combine.
Wednesday was a key day in the draft process as college players that retained their eligibility had to let the NCAA and NBA know if they were staying the draft or not. Baylor’s Adam Flagler was among those who opted to remain in the draft. Kansas State’s NaeQwan Tomlin, meanwhile, opted to return to the Wildcats.
There were four players selected, two of which are with current Big 12 teams and two of which are on future Big 12 teams.
The highest-drafted player was Houston’s Jarace Walker, who left the Cougars after one season after it was believed he was a potential lottery pick. The Indiana Pacers got him at No. 7 overall in the mock, which would mean he would be teammates with former Iowa State star Tyrese Haliburton.
Another player from a future Big 12 team, UCF, was connected to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 10. Forward Taylor Hendricks would help the Mavericks around the rim and he’s coming off a great season for the Knights.
One other Big 12 player made it into the lottery (the Top 14 picks). Kansas guard Gradey Dick went NO. 11 to the Orlando Magic, which took Duke forward Paolo Banchero last year. He became the NBA Rookie of the Year. Dick would give a forward-laden team a talented outside shooter.
Baylor guard Keyonte George fell just outside the lottery at No. 15, where the Atlanta Hawks have the pick. That would make him teammate with former Oklahoma star Trae Young.
Several more players with Big 12 connections were taken in the second round, including Houston guard Marcus Sasser (No. 37, Oklahoma City), Texas forward Dillon Mitchell (No. 41, Charlotte), Kansas forward Jalen Wilson (No. 44, San Antonio) and Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson (No. 49, Cleveland).
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
