Fallen to 20th place on the evening of the Draft, Cam Whitmore had already made a name for himself during the summer by finishing MVP in Las Vegas after a tournament won with the Rockets, averaging 19 points.
In preseason, the 19-year-old guard continued his excellent momentum with two 15-point outings in three games, including several brilliant, vengeful and ultra-spectacular actions in the alley oop or very high in the air on the dunk.
“I knew it was a big dunk!” »
In this case, his powerful hammer blow over veteran Doug “McBuckets” McDermott has already been around the world several times on the networks. Unfortunately canceled by the referees due to forceful passage!
“I knew it was a big dunk!” I saw a guy in front of me and I just took off,” the rookie outfielder explained afterwards. “I wanted to set the tone of the match! I’m not sure if it was an offensive foul but hey, it was called like that. »
Explosive as can be, with the third largest trigger measured (at 1m03) at the last Chicago Combine, Whitmore also has other physical attributes, including his wingspan and speed of movement, which should allow him to make his mark both in defense and attack.
“From training camp, the coach insisted that we must first build our success on defense. This is where we have to do the work, fill in the gaps and help each other.”, listed the rookie after the victory against San Antonio.
“I have felt comfortable in the group since the summer league”
The only downside for the fleeting Villanova player is a history of serious knee injuries (he broke his leg twice four years ago), and this is one of the reasons which explains his fall at the last moment in the Draft. Another is its still limited arsenal in attack, at mid-range in particular, but more generally in its shooting mechanics which can still be improved.
In any case, alongside Jalen Green, Amen Thompson or even Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun, all 21 years old and under, Cam Whitmore can fully integrate into the new project led by Ime Udoka who comes to him also to arrive in Texas.
“I can’t wait to start the season. I can’t wait to be part of this new project that is about to start,” he concludes. “I have felt comfortable in the group since the summer league! The coach’s style suits me well. The systems we have put in place allow me to express myself, I am comfortable carrying them out, it is positive for the future. »
A mini-docu behind the scenes of his Draft evening
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
