Just like his compatriots, Tidjane Salaun, Pacôme Dadiet and Zaccharie Risacher, Melvin Ajinca is about to take off for the NBA. The 2m03 winger was also there at the Treviso camp to improve his popularity with American decision-makers, he who is currently projected in 47th place in the ESPN “Mock Draft”.
“ [J’étais] in Italy to catch up on the Combine that I missed in Chicago and for the coming weeks I know I have to return to the United States to continue doing workouts with different NBA teams. It's going to be really hard because everything is going to come together so I'm going to have to make a lot of sacrifices again. I will have to give a lot of myself, my energy, my time to be the best possible every day and hope to be at the top in the rankings. »
After having completed the stages one by one, from Nationale 1 with Pôle France, then Pro B and Pro A this season with Saint-Quentin, Melvin Ajinça intends to climb a new level this summer. And not least when crossing the Atlantic!
“We can do one season in BetClic or two seasons, or even three. The goal is to be focused on the objectives. When I left Insep, my goal was to go through Pro B to be able to progress then, move up to Pro A and go to the NBA. So I am continuing with my project. No matter what you can do, as long as you have clear ideas in your head, and you know what you want to do, no one can stop you.” he explains. “ I'm ready for the NBA. It's a goal that I've had for a long time and I know what the sacrifices have to be made, I know what the stakes are, I know how hard it is. »
On target for Los Angeles 2028
Far from the hype achieved by Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, or even Tidjane Salaun, Melvin Ajinça advances in the shadows, but ambitious nonetheless. Alexis Ajinça's cousin knows that he still has a lot to work on on his game, particularly on his dribbling, but he is well aware that his choice this summer is a long-term bet.
“The first time I was in the Mock Draft, I went to see what was normal, but after that I really didn't focus on that. Because there’s no point looking at your rankings. Have a guaranteed contract, be in the second round, have a semi-guaranteed contract or even not at all. We can even have a guaranteed contract in the second round so… I'm really not focused on that. All I know is that I have to work hard to achieve my goal and be better every day to be able to go as high as possible. »
Vice-world champion with the under-19s in the summer of 2023, Melvin Ajinça also has other dreams. In blue, white, red in this case. For the next generation in Los Angeles 2028!
“Yes, it’s really one of my goals because representing the French team is an honor and you have to deserve it. So, I work hard every day for that too. For all these deadlines. Playing the Olympics in four years is in the back of my mind. It's really a very, very big goal and I would like to be part of this team, so that I can compete in the Olympic Games in the United States. »
