The National Basketball Association (NBA) draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in the basketball world. Every year, teams select the best players from around the world to join their rosters. This year, four of the top five picks in the draft did not play college basketball in the United States. This is a remarkable feat, as it shows that the NBA is becoming increasingly global and that the talent pool is expanding beyond the traditional college basketball powerhouses.
The first pick in the draft was Zion Williamson, who was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson played one season at Duke University, but he was born and raised in South Carolina. The second pick was Ja Morant, who was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant played two seasons at Murray State University in Kentucky. The third pick was RJ Barrett, who was selected by the New York Knicks. Barrett played one season at Duke University.
The fourth and fifth picks were both international players. The fourth pick was De’Andre Hunter, who was selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Hunter played three seasons at the University of Virginia, but he is originally from Philadelphia. The fifth pick was Darius Garland, who was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland played one season at Vanderbilt University, but he is originally from Gary, Indiana.
These four players represent a new wave of talent in the NBA. They all have unique backgrounds and have overcome different obstacles to reach the highest level of basketball. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication that they were able to make it to the top five picks in the draft.
The NBA is continuing to expand its global reach and is becoming increasingly diverse. This year’s draft is a testament to that fact, as four of the top five picks did not play college basketball in the United States. It is a sign of the times and a reminder that basketball is becoming a truly global sport.
