JasonEvans
07-06-2013, 06:41 PM
So, I happened to be looking into how Rasheed Suliamon was doing at the FIBA U19 World Championships and I came across a couple stories talking about the kid who has probably been the most impressive player at the games, Dante Exum. He is from Australia and if that last name rings a bell it is because his father, Cecil Exum, played at UNC back in the early 80s. In fact, thanks to Michael Jordan's jumpshot and James Worthy being in the wrong place at the right time, Cecil wears a big UNC national championship ring.
Dante has been so impressive thus far, many are saying he has vaulted himself to the top of the lottery of the 2014 draft, should he decide to come out then. Many are saying he would be the #3 or #4 pick in the 2014 draft. Very impressive.
So, what makes this recruiting story interesting? Well, because Dante is going to high school in Australia, he will graduate in December. That means he could join a college team at the start of the second semester, in January, and then declare for the NBA draft after playing just half a season. It means he could seriously alter the college hoops landscape at mid-season.
And, interestingly, UNC has not started recruiting him yet, even though his mother and father both went to Carolina. So far, Indiana is going after him the hardest with Michigan, Louisville, Kentucky, and Georgetown also in the hunt. I suspect more schools will look Dante up though, after his performance at the FIBA U19 event.
Anyway, I just thought he deserved a special mention because he could arrive on campus in January. In theory, he could see how some teams were doing through December and where they had needs (he's a 6-5 PG/SG) and then pick a team he might help push over the top to a national title. Pretty interesting recruiting situation, eh?
-Jason "he talks like he is going to go to the 2015 draft (http://zagsblog.com/articles/dante-exum-likes-indiana-will-take-other-visits/), play college for a year and a half, but if his stock is at the top of the 2014 draft then I suspect he will head pro quickly!" Evans
Dante has been so impressive thus far, many are saying he has vaulted himself to the top of the lottery of the 2014 draft, should he decide to come out then. Many are saying he would be the #3 or #4 pick in the 2014 draft. Very impressive.
So, what makes this recruiting story interesting? Well, because Dante is going to high school in Australia, he will graduate in December. That means he could join a college team at the start of the second semester, in January, and then declare for the NBA draft after playing just half a season. It means he could seriously alter the college hoops landscape at mid-season.
And, interestingly, UNC has not started recruiting him yet, even though his mother and father both went to Carolina. So far, Indiana is going after him the hardest with Michigan, Louisville, Kentucky, and Georgetown also in the hunt. I suspect more schools will look Dante up though, after his performance at the FIBA U19 event.
Anyway, I just thought he deserved a special mention because he could arrive on campus in January. In theory, he could see how some teams were doing through December and where they had needs (he's a 6-5 PG/SG) and then pick a team he might help push over the top to a national title. Pretty interesting recruiting situation, eh?
-Jason "he talks like he is going to go to the 2015 draft (http://zagsblog.com/articles/dante-exum-likes-indiana-will-take-other-visits/), play college for a year and a half, but if his stock is at the top of the 2014 draft then I suspect he will head pro quickly!" Evans