UCLA Basketball and the NBA Draft: How and What to Watch
By Keir Chapman
With several UCLA Basketball players expected to be taken in the 2017 NBA Draft, Go Joe Bruin lets you know how to watch and what to watch for.
The NBA Draft represents promise to fans who have watched their teams struggle throughout the season. It is also a time where title contenders can strengthen their team with either young prospects that provide depth, or with trades for more established players.
Not all picks pan out, but draft night is an entertaining event of what ifs. It allows imaginations to run wild with ideas of who will be a bust, and which second round players will be steals.
And, after all is said and done, teams will have a clearer picture of what direction their headed. Until then, let the speculation continue, and the excitement mount.
Related Story: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team
NBA Draft Information – TV, Radio, Live Stream
Date and time: Thursday, June 22, 4:00 p.m. PT
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
TV: ESPN, NBA TV
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: 710 ESPN (Los Angeles)
Internet Radio: Tune-In
UCLA Basketball Player Profiles
UCLA Basketball in the NBA Draft
Lonzo Ball is UCLA’s most highly touted NBA prospect since Kevin Love. Ball scores with incredible efficiency from every part of the court. However, he is a pass-first point guard that makes his teammates better. He led the NCAA in assists with 7.6 per game. Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, stated earlier in the season that Lonzo would only play for the Lakers. LaVar’s wish seems to be coming true, as reports say the Lakers are all but set on Lonzo.
TJ Leaf provided scoring and floor spacing for the Bruins, positives he projects to bring to the next level as well. He is a defensives nightmare for opposing power forwards. They’ll have to stop him from rolling to the basket, but must respect his 3-point shot, and guard him on the wings as well. Leaf also averaged 8.2 rebounds per game, making him a double-double threat almost every night. He is projected to be picked in the middle of the first round.
Ike Anigbogu’s name got lost among the hype for fellow freshmen Ball and Leaf. However, Anigbogu was far and away UCLA’s best rim-protector, registering 1.2 rejections per game, and accounting for 8.8% of all blocks that occurred with him on the court. The NBA is lacking in defensive-minded centers, making Anigbogu a hot commodity in the draft. He is expected to be selected near the end of the first round.
Bryce Alford isn’t projected to be taken in the draft. He does, however, excel in a skill coveted in today’s NBA. Alford shot the three incredibly well, and passed Jason Kapono this season as UCLA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made. Alford should be able to find an opportunity in the NBA as an undrafted free agent. In this role, he will be able to prove himself in either the NBA G-League, or in limited minutes off the bench.
Next: UCLA Basketball players in the (mock) 2017 NBA Draft
The amount of first-round prospects directly correlates to the success UCLA saw this season. These players showed incredible talent in their time with the Bruins, and fans will follow their careers to see if they live up to their potential. It all begins on NBA Draft night.