Latest news with #LigaACB
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Croatian forward Michael Ružić to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft
Report: Croatian forward Michael Ružić to withdraw from 2025 NBA draft Croatian forward Michael Ružić is reportedly withdrawing from the 2025 NBA draft and returning to Joventut Badalona, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN. Ružić averaged 3.2 points and 1.7 rebounds on 49.3% shooting from the field in 25 games across the Liga ACB, Eurocup and Spanish Cup. He finished in double figures three times, including a season-high 13 points on Oct. 13 against Casademont Zaragoza. The 7-footer competed in the combine last month, totaling three points, eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot in two scrimmage games. He received permission to participate in the event, with Joventut Badalona still in its season. Ružić began the season projected to be a first-round pick this year, with his size, length, rebounding and ability to space the floor. He is viewed as one of the top international prospects after becoming one of the youngest players to start for Joventut Badalona. The 18-year-old dropped down draft boards after missing three months due to a thumb injury and falling out of the rotation upon his return. Those two factors, along with an inconsistent showing at the combine, likely played a significant role in his opting to withdraw from the draft. Ružić will now have the opportunity to return to Europe and improve his draft positioning for the 2026 NBA draft. He should be among the prospects to watch next year.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Looking at 4 wings Boston Celtics could pick in 2025 NBA Draft
For now, the Celtics' next agenda of the offseason is the 2025 NBA Draft. They hold the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the upcoming draft, set for June 25-26. So they'll have some options at the end of the first round and the top of the second. The C's could end up making some trades like they've done in the past, but for now, they're armed with two draft picks. MassLive already looked at four potential guards who could be around when the Celtics are on the clock for the draft. Advertisement Now, here's a closer look at four potential wings the Celtics could pick: Drake Powell, North Carolina 2024-25 stats: 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 25.5 minutes in 34 games. Shot 48.3% from the field and 37.9% on 3-pointers. There was some thought that Powell could return to college, but he was firm in that he was staying in the NBA Draft process. Powell was a one-and-done product after playing a single season with the Tar Heels as he won't turn 20 until later this year. The counting stats don't pop off the page as took just 5.7 shots per game at North Carolina. However, he had some eye-popping numbers coming out of the draft combine. Powell was measured with a 7-foot wingspan. Notably, he also came in at 37.5 inches standing vertical leap and his max vertical leap was 43 inches. Advertisement The athleticism and defensive potential are both there. His 3-point shooting number looks solid, though it was only on 2.6 attempts per game, and he shot 64.8% on free throws. Still, that's an intriguing prospect at this point in the draft. Adou Thiero, Arkansas 2024-25 stats: 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 27.5 minutes in 27 games. Shot 54.5% from the field and 25.6% on 3-pointers. Thiero comes in with some versatility and a solid frame as he was measured in at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot wingspan. He's an athletic wing and slasher who could fit well with the Celtics. He started his career at Kentucky for the first two years before transferring to Arkansas, where he was a major contributor. He turned 21 last month, so he's not a super old prospect. Advertisement The knock on him is his shooting as that's just not a part of his game at this point. Thiero does a lot of things well but that's the one area the Celtics would like to see some improvement if they go this route. Thiero also shot 68.6% on 6.5 free throw attempts per game last season, so that doesn't look super promising there either. Hugo Gonzalez, Real Madrid (Spain) 2024-25 stats: 5.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists in 14.8 minutes in 60 games in Liga ACB, per EuroBasket. Shot 44.5% from the field and 28% on 3-pointers. Gonzalez is one of the more intriguing prospects of this draft considering his age and where he's playing. Gonzalez just turned 19 years old and already playing for Real Madrid. He didn't get much playing time at the beginning of the year, though he's seen some more recently. Advertisement One thing about Gonzalez is that he can't go through predraft workouts because Real Madrid just started its playoff run. Considering it's the No. 1 seed, the playoffs could go for a while ahead of the draft. There's a lot to like about his game on both sides of the court, though he'll need to grow into his frame. But considering his age, there's some intrigue there too for NBA front offices. Alex Toohey, Sydney Kings (Australia) 2024-25 stats: 10.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 22.9 minutes in 30 games, per the NBL. Shot 45.2% on field goals. Toohey was committed to Gonzaga but elected to stay closer to home in Australia, where he's developed into a potential NBA draft pick. He was measured in at nearly 6-foot-8 at the draft combine with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. So he brings size and had a maximum vertical leap of 31.5 inches. Advertisement Toohey has shown he can get out in transition but shooting is another question mark. He turned 21 years old last month, so he's not super young but also not that old. Will need to bulk up a bit more to play in the NBA game but can be a versatile defender with his frame. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
