KU’s Devon Dotson listed as No. 13 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft by one publication
Former University of Kansas point guard Devon Dotson’s NBA Draft status appears to be on an upward trend.
Dotson, a first-team all-Big 12 selection out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is listed as the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 Draft as predicted by Dime Magazine.
“Alongside Kira Lewis, the premier speed merchant in this draft, Dotson markedly improved as a passer and pull-up shooter during his second season in Lawrence, helping transform the Jayhawks into one of the favorites to win the tournament had it happened,” wrote Brian Schroeder of Dime Magazine.
Dotson is listed as No. 29 pick overall by NBCsports.com. That’s the next to last pick in the first round. CBSsports.com has Dotson as the sixth pick of Round Two.
Dotson has not yet scheduled any Zoom interviews with teams. The Draft is set for June 25 in Brooklyn, New York, but figures to be delayed until August or later.
Meanwhile, Big 12 player of the year Udoka Azubuike checks in as Dime Magazine’s No. 61-rated prospect. That would put him just outside the two-round NBA Draft, which includes 60 players.
Azubuike, a 7-footer out of Delta, Nigeria, is listed the last pick of Round One by NBCsports.com and is listed as the country’s No. 67-rated prospect and out of the draft by CBSsports.com.
Azubuike was the subject of an article by NBC Sports Philadelphia that wonders if he will be one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ four second-round picks. In Philly, he could back up former KU center Joel Embiid.
“Simply put: Azubuike is a large human. At the college level, he looked like a man amongst boys on most nights. He should have no problem handling the strength and physicality of the NBA from the start,” wrote Paul Hudrick of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “While he’s as strong as an ox, he still shows soft hands. He finished at the rim with strength and authority. His 74.6% career field goal percentage is the highest in NCAA history.
“At 270 pounds, he actually moves fairly well. He’s not going to be the type of center that allows you to be super switchable, but he’s not a stiff either. His rebounding and shot blocking numbers improved every season as he got better timing and adjusted to college competition,” Hudrick added.
As far as possible weaknesses: “Azubuike’s lack of basketball experience really sticks out at times. He doesn’t have great feel when he’s in the post, which has led to an ugly assist-to-turnover ratio. During his senior season, he averaged 2.5 turnovers and less than an assist per game,” wrote Hudrick.
“The free throw shooting numbers are hideous. Azubuike hit just 41.6% percent from the line in college. If you watch his form, it doesn’t leave you with much hope. As the NBA has geared more and more toward big men that can shoot, Azubuike is unlikely to ever fit in that category,” the writer noted.
Hudrick’s conclusion in regards to a possible fit with Philly: “The game didn’t come as naturally to Azubuike as it did to Embiid. Still, the 20-year-old showed serious improvement throughout his time at Kansas. With that said, any team taking him will still be taking on a project. That’s why he’s likely to be a second-round pick. With four second-round picks, Azubuike could be a project worth taking on. He has a chance to stick as a solid bench big at the next level. Not a bad thing to have with Embiid’s injury history.”
Chalmers’ golf tourney called off
Former KU guard Mario Chalmers has canceled his foundation’s annual golf tournament out of COVID-19 coronavirus concerns, Chalmers’ mom told The Star on Monday. The tournament, a fixture in Lawrence for 11 years benefiting cancer research and youth initiatives, was slated to be held in late July at The Jayhawk Club. Chalmers, 34, played for AEK Athens in the Greek League this past season. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
KU signee Thompson a five-star by Rivals.com
Incoming KU freshman combo guard Bryce Thompson, a 6-4 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has finished the school year as a five-star player as assessed by Rivals.com.
Thompson is the No 19-ranked player in the recruiting Class of 2020 by Rivals.com.
“Still developing physically, Bryce Thompson is one of the most skilled two guards in 2020. He shoots with deep range, is a craft passer and excels at making contested shots,” analyst Eric Bossi wrote Monday at Rivals.com.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 10:21 AM with the headline "KU’s Devon Dotson listed as No. 13 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft by one publication."
