BROOKLYN, New York – Three players from the American Athletic Conference were selected in the first round 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 22.
Houston’s Jarace Walker and UCF’s Taylor Hendricks were selected eighth and ninth overall, making The American one of two conference to have multiple lottery picks. Walker was selected eighth to Washington (proposed trade to Indiana) and Hendricks was picked ninth to Utah. Houston’s Marcus Sasser was also drafted 25th overall by Memphis (proposed trade to Detroit). It was also the first time The American has had multiple lottery picks in the same draft and three first-round picks.
Walker, was named the 2023 American Freshman of the Year, despite averaging fewer points and rebounds per game than Hendricks and being named Freshman of the Week fewer times.
Hendricks, a second-team all-conference selection and unanimous all-freshman team honoree, was name The American’s Freshman of the Week a record nine times. Yet, that wasn't enough to be named the league's Freshman of the Year.
Houston’s Jarace Walker and UCF’s Taylor Hendricks were selected eighth and ninth overall, making The American one of two conference to have multiple lottery picks. Walker was selected eighth to Washington (proposed trade to Indiana) and Hendricks was picked ninth to Utah. Houston’s Marcus Sasser was also drafted 25th overall by Memphis (proposed trade to Detroit). It was also the first time The American has had multiple lottery picks in the same draft and three first-round picks.
Walker, was named the 2023 American Freshman of the Year, despite averaging fewer points and rebounds per game than Hendricks and being named Freshman of the Week fewer times.
Hendricks, a second-team all-conference selection and unanimous all-freshman team honoree, was name The American’s Freshman of the Week a record nine times. Yet, that wasn't enough to be named the league's Freshman of the Year.
