As the end of the university season approaches, with the “Final Four” this weekend, statements at the Draft have been coming one after another in recent days, particularly from “freshmen” who make up a very qualitative 2022 high school class.
So, after Keyonte George, Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr. or Jalen Hood-Schifino among others during the week, it’s this time Gradey Dick who has announced plans to join the NBA next season after just one college season.
” This year has been awesome. The University of Kansas has always had an important place in my life and that of my family. » he thus declared to ESPN. ” I grew up in Wichita, my siblings went to school there, so I always dreamed of wearing the Jayhawks jersey. I learned a lot during the season. »
Announced as a probable “one-and-done” even before the start of the season, Gradey Dick has confirmed all the good that observers of the “high school” planet have thought of him since his high school years.
Within a Kansas team which has once again turned at full speed this season after its spring 2022 title, the 2/3 post of 2m03, a pure product of Kansas since it is therefore from Wichita, has thus proved the high quality of his outside shooting, completing his exercise with averages of 14.1 points at 40.3% success from behind the arc (on 5.7 shots), but also 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Clearly the best outside shooter of this 2023 vintage (with Jordan Hawkins from Connecticut), the 19-year-old player will be a useful weapon in an NBA attack from his first steps on a parquet floor at the start of the school year, with a compact, fast and aesthetically very kidding. Not to mention that his physical profile makes him a versatile defender and reveals the potential to develop the “3-and-D” that league teams love on the outside positions.
” I feel that the NBA teams have also discovered my mentality and my competitive spirit ” he adds. ” Regardless of the context, I will always give my all in all circumstances. Of course, I’m categorized primarily as a shooter, but I love showing that I have a lot more facets to my game. »
A “lock” for the Top 20, Gradey Dick could also invite himself into the “lottery” next June. At present, ESPN even places him 11th in its ranking of the best players of the 2023 vintage.
