Tag: draft

Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

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Names of all 30 first round picks fill the NBA basketball draft board at the end of the first round, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The NBA splitting its draft into a two-night affair helped limit the number of trades during the first round.

Commissioner Adam Silver announced two of the three proposed trades Wednesday night. No deal can be official until July 6 when the league’s new year begins, but that’s never stopped NBA teams from swapping players and selections.

Before the draft got under way, the Portland Trail Blazers acquired forward Deni Avdija from the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th pick in this year’s draft and a first-round pick in 2029.

A person familiar with the deal confirmed the trade to the The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it had not been announced. Silver later detailed the deal during the first round.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher second straight from France picked No. 1 in NBA Draft

The Blazers made the pick, selecting Carlton “Bub” Carrington out of Pitt. Carrington averaged 13.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in his lone college season. The Wizards also took French center Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick.

Minnesota also agreed on a trade with the San Antonio Spurs to get Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick.

The Timberwolves will complete the deal by sending to the Spurs their unprotected 2031 first-round pick and make a 2030 swap that’s protected for the top pick, both ESPN and The Athletic reported.

NBA Draft 2024 Adam Silver

NBA commissioner Adam Silver opens the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Dillingham spent his only college season at Kentucky, averaging 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 23.3 minutes per game while making 44.4% of his 3-point attempts. The native of North Carolina is a shot creator and dynamic scorer who can give the Timberwolves some needed production off the bench.

The Suns made the final move of the first round, dealing their No. 22 pick to the Denver Nuggets for the No. 28 pick, No. 56 pick and two future second-round selections.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher chosen by Hawks with top pick in NBA Draft

The Nuggets took Dayton big man DaRon Holmes II at No. 22 while the Suns grabbed Virginia’s Ryan Dunn with the 28th pick, adding arguably the draft’s premier defensive prospect. Denver might’ve gotten a steal with Holmes, a three-time All-Defensive player while averaging 20.4 points his final college season.

Denver general manager Calvin Booth said the team liked the jump Holmes took as a 3-point shooter along with his experience. The Nuggets saw Minnesota as a potential threat to grab Holmes.

“It was important for us to get ahead and get our guy,” Booth said.

The Nets didn’t wait for the draft to start, making a big move Tuesday night trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, where he’ll be rejoining former Villanova teammates in a deal confirmed to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity because it is not yet official.

It was the first trade between the New York rivals since 1983 and will put Bridges in the lineup alongside Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, players who helped Villanova win two NCAA championships, and join a core that got the Knicks to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.



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The Knicks will pay big to get him, with ESPN reporting that they are sending Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets along with four unprotected first-round picks and one protected pick.

Terrence Shannon picked in NBA Draft after not guilty verdict

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University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr hile testifying during his trial Thursday June 13, 2024. He was picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 in the NBA Draft. (Chris Conde/The Lawrence Journal-World via AP)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves did some extra digging into Terrence Shannon Jr. before the NBA draft.

They found plenty of sources vouching for his character, bolstering their confidence in a dynamic player whose final season at Illinois was overshadowed by a rape charge he was recently exonerated of.

“The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at Texas Tech. Talk to the coaches at Illinois. They don’t say good things. They say amazing things,” Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Wednesday night after taking Shannon with the 27th overall pick in the first round. “Obviously he was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation, and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood — we just think he brings toughness.”

READ: Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

Shannon was found not guilty two weeks ago after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict. He was accused of sexual assault last September during a visit to Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks.

Connelly said the Timberwolves “did a ton” of background work on Shannon with an interest in his experience, fortitude and scoring ability from anywhere on the court.

“Oftentimes, the minute you’re accused you’re found guilty. Thankfully he went the legal process. He chose to go to trial because he knew he did nothing wrong,” Connelly said. “I just think it’s a shame he went through that, and I think it’s a testament to who he is as a kid and his ability to play through a really tough distraction.”

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who turns 24 next month, can play both guard positions. He started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Illinois, leading the Illini to the Elite Elight in the NCAA Tournament before a loss to eventual national champion Connecticut. Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press and was the Big Ten Tournament MVP for his performance in March at Target Center in Minneapolis, where he’ll now have his home games as a pro.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

“I think he’s a three-position defender. I think he’s an unbelievably competitive guy. He’s got size. Another downhill guy who’s going to play with pace,” Connelly said.



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The Timberwolves were elated to get Shannon as a complement to Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, whom they jumped in to trade for at No. 8 overall through a trade with San Antonio. The Western Conference runners-up could not have had a more productive draft night, considering they’re in no position to enhance the roster through trades or free agency with their salary-cap situation and desire to keep the core of the team together.

“You don’t take those two guys thinking how they’re going to match up together, but our challenge was to try to play a little bit faster in our second unit,” Connelly said, “and I think we got two of the fastest and most athletic and aggressive guys in the draft.”

PVL Draft aspirant Pierre Abellana impresses with her athleticism

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PVL Draft aspirant Pierre Abellana during the Draft Combine. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Determined to come out of her shell, Pierre Abellana seeks to unleash her untapped potential in the professional scene as she chases a roster spot in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 at Novotel.

Abellana, who seldom saw action for the University of Santo Tomas in her playing years in the UAAP, turned heads in the two-day combine as she showed her athleticism in front of coaches and scouts from the 12 PVL teams.

“I’m super motivated right now because at this point, I have control over how I can showcase my abilities,” said the 5-foot-5 outside spiker, who was part of UST’s cinderella run in Season 86 but got swept by National University in the finals.

READ: Teams begin plotting PVL Draft strategies

“I always say that I will give my all, especially in putting effort into improving myself, and I’ll always do my best to help the team in any way I can,” she added.

Abellana impressed coaches and even her fellow 46 aspirants through her speed and high leaping abilities on Day 1. However, she believed that she could have shown more on Day 2 during the scrimmages.

LIST: Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

“For Day 2, I can’t say I’m satisfied, but I know I did my best,” said Abellana, who came in second in the 60-meter shuttle run with a time of 14.35 seconds, third in the standing vertical jump with 63.50 centimeters, and third in the one-minute push-up test with 43 reps.

“Maybe that’s important too because even if I didn’t perform my best today, the coaches can still see that I can bounce back because I am physically fit,” she added.

The Fitness and Sports Management magna cum laude is grateful for the continuous support of the UST fans despite bidding farewell to the Tigresses.

“I’m just super thankful for the constant support because even after I graduated, they always tell me they’re still supporting me until I turn pro,” Abellana said. “They know my capabilities and they believe I can do it, so they always remind me to trust myself.”



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Bronny James not picked in NBA Draft Round 1, now Round 2 awaits

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Bronny James talks to media during the 2024 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NEW YORK— Bronny James’ draft night has likely arrived.

The son of career scoring leader LeBron James was not selected in the first round Wednesday in the NBA draft, and now will wait to see if he’s picked in the second round when selections resume Thursday afternoon.

The pick that might be most logical for Bronny James: 55th overall, a selection that just happens to be held by the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that LeBron James — who is widely expected to become a free agent next week — has played for since 2018.

READ: Bronny James ‘grateful’ to have NBA dream in reach after health scare

The James family has been in New York this week, though it isn’t known if Bronny James will appear at the second round of the draft.

Bronny James played one year of college basketball at Southern California and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season. He played in 25 games, missing the start of the season after needing a procedure last year to fix what was diagnosed as a congenital heart defect, which was found after he went into cardiac arrest during a summer workout.

A panel of doctors cleared Bronny James for NBA play last month.

LIST: 2024 NBA Rookie Draft first round picks

Bronny — who was listed at 6-foot-4 on USC’s roster but measured at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches at the combine — may be the most talked-about second-round prospect in draft history, because of the family name. His father, a four-time NBA champion, will be entering his 22nd NBA season this fall.

If Bronny James plays in the NBA next season, he and LeBron James would be the first father-son duo in the league simultaneously as players. There have been about 100 instances in NBA history of players joining the league after their fathers played, but none at the same time.



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2024 NBA Draft first-round picks

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Zaccharie Risacher, second from left, and Alex Sarr, fourth from left, both of France, stand on stage with, from left, Ron Holland, Rob Dillingham, Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The players selected in the first round of the NBA draft Wednesday night in New York.

1. Atlanta Hawks — Zaccharie Risacher, forward, 6-9, 215, JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France)

Scouting report: A developing player with two-way potential. Has guard skills and showed catch-and-shoot ability after making 39% of 3-pointers between league and Eurocup play. Turned 19 in April and must get stronger. Averaged 0.9 assists and 1.6 turnovers to highlight a need to improve as a playmaker.

READ: Zaccharie Risacher second straight from France picked No. 1 in NBA Draft

2. Washington Wizards — Alex Sarr, center, 7-0, 224, Perth (Australia)

Scouting report: Has athleticism, mobility and length offering upside as a shot blocker, switchable defender and rim-running lob threat. Grew up in France but spent two seasons with Overtime Elite developmental program in Atlanta, then played in Australian-based National Basketball League. Ranked among NBL leaders in blocks (1.5) despite averaging just 17.3 minutes. Has 7-4 wingspan. Must add strength and improve outside shot (29% on 3-pointers).

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn) — Reed Sheppard, guard, 6-2, 182, Kentucky

Scouting report: The shooting stroke stands out. He hit 52.1% of 3s last year and 83% of his free throws. Elite potential as a catch-and-shoot threat. Averaged 4.5 assists to show potential for both guards spots. Uncertain how he’ll match up with bigger guards, particularly off the ball.

4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, guard, 6-6, 210, UConn

Scouting report: A combo guard with size and ability to overpower smaller defenders. Big potential as a defender and playmaker. Accepted complementary role in Huskies’ run to a second straight NCAA title despite his touted-recruit status. Must improve outside shot (26.7% on 3s).

5. Detroit Pistons — Ron Holland II, forward, 6-7, 197, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Offers versatility with floor-running ability to attack the rim. Has 6-11 wingspan and defensive upside. Made 24% of 3s. Had 42 turnovers against 45 assists in injury-shortened season. Turns 19 in July. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

6. Charlotte Hornets — Tidjane Salaun, forward, 6-9, 217, Cholet (France)

Scouting report: A fluid athlete with a nearly 7-2 wingspan. Offers long-term potential to stretch defenses and harass smaller perimeter players. Still honing outside shot (32% on 3s last season). Turns 19 in August.

7. Portland Trail Blazers — Donovan Clingan, center, 7-2, 282, UConn

Scouting report: Imposing rim-protecting force (7-7 wingspan) and floor-running finisher for two-time reigning NCAA champs. Averaged 2.5 blocks in just 22.6 minutes. Value highlighted in Illinois going 0 for 19 in Clingan-challenged shots in NCAA Elite Eight. Unclear how well he’d handle switches to defend in space. Poor free-throw shooter (55.8% career).

8. San Antonio (from Toronto) — Rob Dillingham, guard, 6-1, 164, Kentucky

Scouting report: Shows potential as a scoring playmaker after one college season. Averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists. Shot 44.4% on 3s while attempting 4.5 per game. Turns 20 in January. Needs to add strength to undersized frame.

9. Memphis Grizzlies — Zach Edey, center, 7-4, 299, Purdue

Scouting report: Two-time AP men’s national player of the year. Led Boilermakers to NCAA final in April after leading nation in scoring (25.2) and ranking second in rebounding (12.2). Massive presence with 7-11 wingspan. Defensive mobility a question.

10. Utah Jazz — Cody Williams, forward, 6-7, 178, Colorado

Scouting report: Versatile wing shot 55.2% overall and 41.5% from 3-point range in his lone season. Has 7-1 wingspan but needs to get stronger. Must improve as a rebounder (3.0), highlighted by grabbing three rebounds in 64 minutes across three NCAA Tournament games. McDonald’s All-American and program’s first five-star recruit in more than two decades.

11. Chicago Bulls — Matas Buzelis, forward, 6-9, 197 pounds, G League Ignite

Scouting report: Exploits matchups, scoring over smaller defenders and driving past bigger ones. Can attack off the dribble or score on stepbacks. Averaged 2.1 blocks with a 6-10 wingspan. Shot just 27.3% on 3s. McDonald’s All-American who bypassed college basketball.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston) — Nikola Topic, guard, 6-6, 203, KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Scouting report: Has size and playmaking ability at the point. Has vision to set up teammates with the capability of creating his own shot, attacking the paint and finishing at the rim. Outside shot needs work. Health concerns remain after two knee injuries.

13. Sacramento Kings — Devin Carter, guard, 6-2, 193, Providence

Scouting report: Boosted scoring (19.7) and 3-point shooting (.377) last season. Tied for best max vertical leap (42 inches) and standing vertical (35) at the combine. Spent two years with Providence after transferring from South Carolina.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State via Boston and Memphis) — Carlton “Bub” Carrington, guard, 6-4, 195, Pittsburgh

Scouting report: Averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists as one-and-done floor leader with all-around potential. Had an opening-night triple-double. Must improve outside shot (32% on 3s).

15. Miami Heat — Kel’el Ware, center, 7-0, 230, Indiana

Scouting report: Oregon transfer averaged 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.9 rebounds as an every-game starter for the Hoosiers. Made 17 of 40 3s (.425). Has 7-5 wingspan and tested well in agility at the combine. Must improve at the foul line (63.4% last year). Turned 20 in April.

16. Philadelphia 76ers — Jared McCain, guard, 6-2, 203, Duke

Scouting report: One-and-done player who rapidly became the Blue Devils’ toughest competitor. Made 41% of 3s and 89% of free throws. Had two 30-point showings in the NCAA Tournament.

17. Los Angeles Lakers — Dalton Knecht, guard, 6-5, 212, Tennessee

Dalton Knecht NBA Draft Los Angeles Lakers

Dalton Knecht poses for photos on the red carpet before the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Big scorer in off-the-bounce and catch-and-shoot scenarios. First-team AP All-American who averaged 21.7 points and shot 39.7% from behind the arc. Active player who tested well at the combine in agility. Uncertainty about his athleticism and mobility defensively. Turned 23 in April.

READ: NBA: Lakers add Dalton Knecht, Pacific teams pick veteran players

18. Orlando Magic — Tristan da Silva, forward, 6-8, 217, Colorado

Scouting report: Veteran scorer from Germany with 98 career starts. Averaged 15.9 points while shooting 39.5% on 3s in a leading role the past two years. Turned 23 last month.

19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana) — Ja’Kobe Walter, guard, 6-4, 198, Baylor

Scouting report: One-and-done prospect who fearlessly launched from behind the arc. Took 57% of his shots there and had 13 games with at least three made 3s, but shot just 34% on those.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers — Jaylon Tyson, forward, 6-6, 218, California

Scouting report: Took a big leap offensively after going from Texas to Texas Tech and finally Cal last season. Averaged 19.6 points last season, up from 10.7 the previous year. Made 37.8% of 3s over the past two seasons.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee) — Yves Missi, center, 6-11, 229, Baylor

Scouting report: Bouncy, raw prospect from Cameroon. Flashed athleticism as a lob threat (61.4% shooting) and shot blocker (1.5 per game) in lone college season. Turned 20 last month.

22. Phoenix Suns — DaRon Holmes II, forward/center, 6-9, 236, Dayton

Scouting report: Atlantic 10 co-player and defensive player of the year. Averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 rebounds over last two seasons. Expanded range last year (38.6% on 3s). Averaged 2.1 blocks over three-year career with 7-1 wingspan.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans) — AJ Johnson, guard, 6-4, 167, Illawara (Australia)

Scouting report: Former Texas recruit bypassed college to play in the Australian-based National Basketball League. Averaged 2.9 points in 7.7 minutes. Has length but a slight frame.

24. New York Knicks (from Dallas) — Kyshawn George, forward, 6-7, 209, Miami

Scouting report: Offers long-term potential as a shooter with size. Hit 40.8% of 3s in lone college season but did little inside the arc (28 of 81 made shots, 34.6%).

25. New York Knicks — Pacome Dadiet, forward, 6-8, 217, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Scouting report: A developing player from France with potential as a rim finisher with 3-point range. Projects as a versatile defender. Turns 19 in July.

26. Washington Wizards (from LA Clippers via Dallas and Oklahoma City) — Dillon Jones, guard, 6-5, 237, Weber State

Scouting report: A scorer with a strong frame. Averaged 20.8 points and 5.2 assists. An elite rebounder by averaging 10.5 boards over his last three seasons. Shot just 32% from 3-point range over his four-year career.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves — Terrence Shannon Jr., guard, 6-6, 219, Illinois

Scouting report: AP third-team All-American last year as nation’s No. 3 scorer (23.0). Downhill attacker who shot 36% on 3s. Texas Tech transfer who blossomed as a scorer in two seasons with Illinois. Recently found not guilty on a rape charge to resolve a legal case closely watched by scouts.

28. Denver Nuggets — Ryan Dunn, forward, 6-6, 214, Virginia

Ryan Dunn NBA Draft

Ryan Dunn, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected 28th by the Denver Nuggets during the first round of the NBA draft, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Scouting report: Massive defensive potential with nearly 7-2 wingspan. Can protect the rim (2.3 blocks) or the perimeter. Offensive game is a question.

29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City via Toronto and Indiana) — Isaiah Collier, guard, 6-3, 205, USC

Scouting report: Can attack the rim with strong frame and quickness. Averaged 16.3 points and 4.3 assists as a one-and-done floor leader. Averaged 3.3 turnovers for a 15-18 team.

30. Boston Celtics — Baylor Scheierman, guard/forward, 6-6, 202, Creighton



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Scouting report: South Dakota State transfer averaged 15.5 points, made 197 3-pointers and shot 37.3% on 3s in two seasons with Bluejays. Lacks elite athleticism and must develop defensively.

France’s Risacher chosen by Hawks with top pick in NBA Draft

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National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with French basketball player Zaccharie Risacher (R) during Round One of the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on June 26, 2024. Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft. (AFP)

 

NEW YORK – France’s Zaccharie Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick in Wednesday’s opening round of the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old forward, who stands 6-foot-9 (2.06m), was the second Frenchman in a row to be chosen number one after Victor Wembanyama was taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the top pick last year.

“It’s a blessing, you know,” Risacher said. “So exciting. There are a lot of feelings and emotions right now. I don’t know what to say but it’s definitely special.

“For three years, what I have been through, and my family is here — I’m so happy. This is amazing.”

Risacher helped spark JL Bourg to this year’s EuroCup final, which was won by Paris Basketball.

He became the second-youngest player to be named the EuroCup Rising Star and last month was named the French league’s 2023-24 Best Young Player after averaging 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 22 minutes a game for JL Bourg.

Another Frenchman, 19-year-old 7-foot (2.13m) center Alexandre Sarr, was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards.

Sarr played last season for the Perth Wildcats of Australia’s National Basketball League.

After two seasons with Real Madrid’s youth team, Sarr moved to the United States for two seasons and then spent the 2023-24 campaign with Perth, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 17 minutes a game.

“Everywhere I played it just built me for this moment,” Sarr said. “It’s so special.”Sarr’s 25-year-old brother Olivier is a center with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

“He shared a lot with me. Everything I’ve learned is through him,” Sarr said. “He gave me all his knowledge. It’s truly special to have someone like him in my corner.”

It marks only the third time in NBA history that the top two picks in the draft have not had US college experience.

The sky is the limit for talented French rookies after “Wemby” went on to be named the NBA Rookie of the Year and led the league in blocked shots last season.

The Hawks finished 10th in the Eastern Conference last season at 36-46 and lost to Chicago in a play-in game.

Washington had the second-worst record in the NBA last season at 15-67.

Houston, with the third selection, took University of Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, whose parents were both standouts for the same school, his father a US national college champion.

“I’m super excited. This is awesome. Unbelievable,” Sheppard said. “I’m super thankful.”

Sheppard, who turned 20 on Monday, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals a game. Led US college players with 52.1% shooting from 3-point range

Castle joins ‘Wemby’

With the fourth pick, San Antonio selected 19-year-old guard Stephon Castle of US national college champion Connecticut. He had 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists a game for the Huskies last season.

“I learned how to win so I’m coming in with that mindset,” Sheppard said. “To have a teammate like (Wembanyama) next to you, I feel like it opens up the floor so much for you to go and expand your game. I can’t wait to get out there.”

Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, was seen as a possible selection but more likely to go in the second round, which will be conducted on Thursday.

James, a 19-year-old guard for Southern California, averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 25 games last season.



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Los Angeles Lakers 39-year-old superstar LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion, has said he would like to play alongside his son next season.

Julia Coronel looms as a prime PVL Draft catch

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Julia Coronel during the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

As if her schedule isn’t jampacked as it is with a commitment to the Alas Pilipinas team and the completion of her degree at La Salle, former Lady Spikers captain Julia Coronel is also set to turn pro after joining the first-ever PVL Rookie Draft.

After deciding to forego her remaining UAAP eligibility years, the 5-foot-6 playmaker is taking on a new challenge and swears that she’s ready for it.

“This is a different experience,” Coronel told the Inquirer with a mix of Filipino on Wednesday in Mandaluyong City during the Draft Combine where she got to play against La Salle teammates Thea Gagate and Maicah Larroza in scrimmages.

Coronel was a part of the formidable La Salle crew under coach Ramil de Jesus, which for the last three seasons landed podium finishes including a championship in Season 85.

“[Everything is] happening a bit too fast for me, but I am just here taking on every challenge that comes and I will try to do my best in every situation that will be given to me,” she said.

It is with the national team that Coronel crossed off a longtime dream of playing alongside veteran setter Jia de Guzman, something which greatly influenced her decision to turn pro.

“It was unexpected, because I never imagined being teammates with [De Guzman] cause I’ve been looking up to her for the longest time,” Coronel said. “I got to learn from her, from one of the best from our country.

“I really learned a lot [from her], which I am excited to apply hopefully in my future pro team,” she added.

National team first

With a standout resume, Coronel, who also made her versatility as an opposite hitter known, said a few PVL teams have already reached out to her, though nothing is final yet until the July 8 Draft.

She made it known, though, that on top of her commitments list is playing for the national team.

“With that hectic schedule, I would really say that I have to compromise, but my priority is the national team for the time being,” she said. “I hope that my future PVL team will also be understanding of that because I am not there just to play but to also serve our country.

“It’s still national team period, so once that is over, that’s when I’ll be fully committed [to my future PVL team].”

Coronel has stood out in the two-day combine after exhibiting her leaping abilities by logging a 27.78 inch standard vertical jump—the best in the class.

Given her productive years in the UAAP, Coronel looms as a sure first round pick and has promised to do her job right.



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“To the team that will pick me, I am a versatile player so whatever is needed of me, I am willing to fulfill that,” Coronel said.

Teams begin plotting PVL Draft strategies

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It’s been hailed as a landmark moment in the Premier Volleyball League, one that could improve the league’s balance in the long run.

But after two days of the Draft Combine, it’s time for teams to make serious decisions.

“I think there’s a lot of talent. As I’ve said before I came to the Philippines, there’s a lot of talent in Philippine volleyball,” Godfrey Okumu, an assistant coach for Galeries Tower, said on Wednesday.

That rich mix of talent will need sorting out for the PVL’s first Rookie Draft in league history, with only ZUS Coffee declaring outright that it is selecting Thea Gagate with the No. 1 overall pick. Capital1, which has the second overall pick, has been mum on its choice. “I’m just looking at the height and if the player will fit our system,” said Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb. “Players grew up in different systems so it would be great to find someone who can adjust easily [to our system].”

“We have a target that we’re discussing and we’re studying if we will benefit [in selecting] her,” added the veteran coach, who refused to name the player or her position.

Scrimmage

Galeries, picking third, is also playing its cards close to its chest, although the team has made its priorities clear.

“In our team, we hope that the person we will get will come in settled and get to know the team better,” Okumu said. “That’s the most important thing, building the team together. With the people who are in and the people coming in.”

A total of 47 rookie hopefuls participated in the Combine.

Day 2 saw the participants scrimmage with free agents at Gameville Ball Park, giving teams one last opportunity to gauge the skills of the players and their potential fit with the squads.

“[The combine was] definitely a big event for us … because we need to fill a lot of slots at ZUS,” said Kiara Cruz, Strong Group’s head of volleyball operations on Wednesday. “We see great potential from these players even aside from the likes of Thea Gagate ganyan, Leila Cruz. There are NCAA players and players from other places as well and they’re something to look out for.”ZUS has only six players under contract: St. Benilde products Cloanne Mondoñedo, Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa, along with Dolly Verzosa and Mary Joy Onofre.

The Combine was valuable even for those picking late in the rounds.

“We get to see the capabilities of those who are not really that well-known,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, whose club will select last in the first round.



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“For the coaches, it’s important we get to see players personally,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, whose Flying Titans will pick before the Cool Smashers at No. 11.

After ZUS Coffee, Capital1 and Galeries Tower, Farm Fresh will be on the block with the fourth pick. The first round will then go on with Nxled, Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz making their selections before Choco Mucho and Creamline.

Galeries eyeing outside spiker at No. 3 in PVL Rookie Draft

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Galeries Tower coaching staff at the PVL Rookie Draft combine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Galeries Tower looks to continue building its young lineup through the 2024 PVL Rookie Draft on July 8 as it targets a scorer for its third pick and also eyeing a setter and middle blocker in the succeeding rounds.

The Highrisers coaching staff, led by coach Lerma Giron and deputy Godfrey Okumu, were in full force on the final day of the draft combine at GameVille Ball Park on Wednesday.

They already have names on top of their minds but they didn’t divulge to protect their target players.

“We could get one of those positions. The setter, outside spiker, even an opposite, or a middle blocker. These players really add value because they’re just coming into the PVL. They’re new. The difference will be the one who settles first are the one who will add more value to their teams,” said Okumu, whose squad earned the third pick in the lottery.

“I think there’s a lot of talent. As I’ve said before I came to the Philippines, there’s a lot of talent in Philippine volleyball,” he added.

READ: Thea Gagate to be picked No. 1 by ZUS Coffee in PVL Rookie Draft

The Kenyan coach said their priority is an outside spiker, who can be a game-changer for their team, which only had a total of four wins in the past two All-Filipino Conferences. 

“In our team, we hope that the person we will get will come in settled and get to know the team better. That’s the most important thing, building the team together. With the people who are in and the people coming in,” Okumu said.

Okumu said that they will also bring a Brazilian outside spiker as an import but he didn’t disclose the name as the management will announce it in the coming days. 

READ: PVL: Alyssa Eroa grateful for chance to shine with Galeries

“We have a Brazilian girl, she’s coming in soon and we hope that she can fill the gap of one of the outside spiker positions. We cannot name it for now, we wanna make it official. Sometimes in the Philippines, we like fiesta. We wait for the right time like we have a big feast, we eat, and then we name names. I think it’s cool,” he said.

With a chance to bolster their roster through the PVL draft, Okumu is optimistic about the Highrisers’ future in the pros. 

“Last season, when we started, we had new players and we didn’t have time to train together with the new players so by the team the league was coming to an end, that’s when we were kinda getting to know each other, and beginning to work together. That’s why there’s a struggle in the beginning and by the end it is strong. That’s why we believe this time, we will start strong,” he said.



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NBA draft could be ‘special’ night for France

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Zaccharie Risacher from France, who played for JL Bourg basketball club, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

NEW YORK — Alex Sarr was born in France and spent last season playing in Australia. Zaccharie Risacher was born in Spain and is coming off a breakout season in France.

The next step in their global basketball journey is the NBA, with one of them potentially heading to Atlanta on Wednesday night as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

“We grew up together, competing against each other, and now we are here in New York for the draft and it’s one day to realize our dream, you know?” Risacher said Tuesday. “So this is special.”

It’s a special time for France, which could have the No. 1 pick for a second straight season after Victor Wembanyama went to San Antonio last year amid enormous expectations and lived up to the hype in a Rookie of the Year season.

READ: French Zaccharie Risacher has best odds to be NBA draft top pick

Neither Sarr, Risacher (pronounced Ree-zah-shay) nor anyone else will arrive with that type of promise, part of the reason the 2024 draft has long been viewed as a weak one. It’s unclear which way the Hawks will lean, or even if they are focusing on the two French players.

“For us, I feel like this is a great class, to be honest,” said Isaiah Collier, a guard from USC, where he was a teammate of LeBron James’ son, Bronny James.

“Everybody says it’s weak and everything like that, but for us I think it’s wide open because there’s a lot of good players and nobody really knows who’s at the top.”

Alexandre Sarr NBA draft

Alexandre Sarr, French professional basketball player who last played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League, speaks to the press during a press preview for the 78th edition of the NBA’s annual draft at the Lotte New York Palace in New York, on June 25, 2024. The draft will be held June 26 and June 27, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

They will find out at the start of what this year becomes a two-night draft. The first round will be held as usual at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the second round moves Thursday to ESPN’s Seaport District studios.

Much of the speculation surrounding the Hawks’ choice since they won the draft lottery last month initially focused on Sarr, a well-traveled 7-footer from Bordeaux, France, who began his pro career in Spain with Real Madrid’s youth team. He spent two years in the U.S. playing with Overtime Elite, a developmental league, and last season was with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

He should soon be able to settle in somewhere, whether it’s back in Atlanta — where Overtime Elite is based — or Washington, Houston, San Antonio or Detroit, the teams that round out the top five spots.

“It’s been a long journey of me changing a lot of countries and now I know that I’m going to be probably in the same place for a couple of years, so it’s really exciting,” Sarr said.

His basketball existence is hard to imagine for one of the players he could be competing with for the No. 1 spot. Fellow center Donovan Clingan, who has worked out for the Hawks, has spent his entire life near his birthplace of Bristol, Connecticut, where he went to high school before helping UConn win back-to-back national championships.

“I can’t imagine traveling all over the world, just being away from your family and stuff,” Clingan said. “Just feels like his whole playing career really, ever since he was a young kid, just being on the move. So I’ve been lucky enough and blessed enough to have an opportunity to continue to stay playing in Connecticut, but I’m really excited to move away and start a new chapter.”

College teammate Stephon Castle is expected to join him in the top 10 picks, and Kentucky also could have a pair of players go early in freshmen guards Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham.

But that is nothing unusual for college basketball powerhouse programs. Kentucky had six players selected in both 2012 and 2015, the most in the two-round draft format that began in 1989, and the Huskies once went 2-3 in the draft with Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon in 2004.

But this is a whole new deal for France — or any country other than the U.S. If Sarr or Risacher is taken first, it would mark the first time that the draft went consecutive years without the No. 1 pick being someone who played at an American college.

They were teammates on France’s team that won a silver medal at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup, with Risacher scoring 13 points in a victory over the U.S. The 6-foot-9 forward also spent two seasons in France playing for ASVEL — owned by French Hall of Famer Tony Parker — and he was a one-time teammate of Wembanyama.

Now he could be France’s next No. 1 — unless an old friend beats him out.



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“It would mean a lot,” Sarr said. “I played with Zaccharie three years in a row, I’m really close with him, so I’m really happy for him and I think it’s really special for France in general.”