Where were former Big 12 Basketball stars selected in NBA Draft?

Big 12 Basketball: Where were former stars selected in NBA Draft?

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Mohamed Bamba poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted sixth overall by the Orlando Magic during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Big 12 Basketball had six players selected in the 2018 NBA Draft, with three of them being point guards. How will each of them do as rookies next year?

The following is a list of the players from the Big 12 that were picked in the 2018 NBA Draft. They’re split between three freshmen first-rounders and three graduating senior second-rounders. Here are the players as well as the team they’ll be playing for in 2018.

Round 1, Pick 5 (Atlanta Hawks) – PG Trae Young, Oklahoma

The first point guard that was taken in the 2018 NBA Draft, Young will be the focal point of the Hawks’ rebuilding effort. His exciting play will be what the franchise hopes to keep fans in the seats while they become a contender again. It also frees them up to trade their starting point guard Dennis Schroder, who doesn’t want to be part of a losing team for the future.

Round 1, Pick 6 (Orlando Magic) – C Mohamed Bamba, Texas

The last time Orlando was good was when Dwight Howard was around, so they went with a player similar to him. Unlike the current Brooklyn Net though, Bamba is more suited for the modern-day NBA for big men. He can spread the floor somewhat with a three-point shot while showing an ability to play defense all over the court. The 6’11 center will hope to anchor a defense ranked near the bottom of the last five years.

Round 1, Pick 16 (Philadelphia 76ers) – G/F Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech

From a three-star high school recruit to a near lottery pick, Smith has a real chance of playing significant minutes on a title contender for years to come. At worst, he’s a “3 and D” wing athlete. But if he could score at the next level, Smith will continue to exceed expectations.

Round 2, Pick 32 (Memphis Grizzlies) – PG Jevon Carter, West Virginia

There might not be a better fit than the face of “Press Virginia” playing for “Grit and Grind” in the NBA. Carter along with first-round selection Jaren Jackson Jr. are two of the top defenders from this draft and will be instant impact players for a team who had a dreadful past season.

Round 2, Pick 34 (Charlotte Hornets) – PG Devonte’ Graham, Kansas

At the bare minimum, Graham will be a solid backup option for Kemba Walker with the Hornets. The Big 12 Player of the Year could very well become a starter of his own in due time, viewed as one of the top passers in this draft. His ability to make other players better will help a Charlotte team that lacks offensive playmakers.

Round 2, Pick 47 (Los Angeles Lakers) – G/F Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Kansas

The 6’8 Ukrainian youngster was one of the best shooters in the NBA Draft. That’s likely going to be his role in the NBA. But with Lonzo Ball and potentially Lebron James passing the ball – Mykhailuk could make a much of three-pointers if he sticks on the roster. At just 20 years old, he could have even more development to go through.

Next: Which 2018 NBA Draft picks will have the best careers?

The top point guards from the Big 12 are gone, but plenty of key talent remains with the teams. Six players from 10 teams seems a bit light, but I think that number will rise as some of the underclassmen continues to get better.

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