Olivier-Maxence Prosper is preserving his title within the 2023 NBA draft and can forgo his remaining eligibility at Marquette, he informed ESPN on Friday.
“After speaking to my household, brokers, and evaluating the suggestions I’ve gotten after the draft mix and my professional day, I’ve determined to maintain my title in,” Prosper stated. “Groups say they’re actually intrigued by me and worth my ability set and skill to impression the sport on each ends. I am able to make that leap and go after this.”
The 6-foot-8 Prosper, the No. 32 prospect within the ESPN 100, has had a powerful pre-draft course of that has elevated his standing within the eyes of NBA groups from fringe prospect to potential first-round choose. He posted 21 factors and seven rebounds in 22 minutes in his lone recreation on the draft mix and carried out a well-attended professional day in Los Angeles on Tuesday the place a number of NBA executives informed ESPN they had been impressed along with his perimeter capturing and explosiveness. He participated in 5 particular person exercises with NBA groups earlier than the mix and now has a busy schedule the subsequent 4 weeks that can see him go to many of the groups choosing within the first spherical.
“Popping out of faculty, individuals had been questioning the consistency of my jumper,” Prosper stated. “That is one thing I’ve actually labored laborious to indicate NBA groups I could be a catch-and-shoot participant. I’ve the power to enhance and develop into very versatile on each ends. If some groups weren’t positive, I’ve proven them I can do extra issues on each ends on this course of.”
Prosper helped Marquette win the Large East regular-season and convention match championships, averaging 12.5 factors in 29 minutes whereas bringing excellent defensive versatility along with his excessive depth stage, 7-foot-1 wingspan and skill to cowl floor on the perimeter.
A younger junior who’s simply 4½ months older than one of many prime freshmen in school basketball final season in Brandon Miller, Prosper matches a prototype many NBA groups are actively looking for along with his capability to play both ahead spot as his perimeter capturing (34% from 3 final season) continues to evolve.
“My recreation interprets rather well to the NBA,” Prosper stated. “It is a positionless league, and wings like me who can guard a number of positions, run the ground, end in transition and make catch-and-shoot 3s discover methods to make profitable performs and impression video games. Based mostly on what I have been informed, there is no purpose I should not be a first-rounder.”
Marquette, which was slated to return virtually its total roster subsequent season, was projected because the No. 3 group in ESPN’s early preseason rankings with the idea that Prosper would return. His departure is a blow for Shaka Sensible’s Golden Eagles, who must scramble for a late substitute within the switch portal or highschool ranks. Rising junior David Joplin and rising sophomore Ben Gold will probably be referred to as on for added accountability.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft professional and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a personal scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and worldwide groups.
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