jonathan givonyESPN3:41 p.m. Eastern Time4 minute read
Kansas’ Gradey Dick Declares for the 2023 NBA Draft
Kansas freshman guard Gradey Dick joins “NBA Today” in declaring for the 2023 NBA draft.
“None of this would be possible without God and my family,” Dick told ESPN. “They have been with me every step of the way. I also want to thank my coaches, teachers and friends along the way.”
Dick, the No. 11 prospect in ESPN’s NBA draft projections, was named second-team All-Big 12 and to the all-freshman team after averaging 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game this season, shooting baskets 40% for 3.
Kansas won the Big 12 championship and received the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, losing in the round of 32 to Arkansas when Jayhawks head coach Bill Self was forced to step away from the team due to health issues. .
“This year was amazing,” Dick said. “KU has always been an incredibly special place for me and my family. Growing up in Wichita, I watched my brothers go there, so I dreamed of being there in a jersey. Being on that field at Allen Fieldhouse was really special. I learned a lot. about me on and off the field. Kansas will always be in my heart.”
Dick entered the season as a projected top-20 selection and went to work immediately at Kansas, recording 23 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc in his first college game. He was consistently productive against the best teams on the Kansas schedule, providing consistent scoring from the perimeter while defending defensively.
“I feel like NBA teams have learned more about my competitiveness this season,” Dick said. “My goal has always been to try to outdo everyone at whatever I do. I also wanted to show my resilience. No matter what happens, how I play, I’m always going to come back with a level head and ready to go. I often get tagged as a shooter, but I love showing the versatility I have in my game.”
At 6-foot-8, Dick fits an easy mold for what NBA teams look for in a wing with a high floor and plenty of upsides at 19-years-old.
“I look forward to showing more examples of my versatility,” Dick said. “I feel like there are many facets of my game that I can showcase and I’m excited to get in the gym and work on them. I also want to show teams how hard I work.”
“I just want to live in the moment on draft night and take it all in. This has been my biggest goal in my basketball career, so I want to enjoy every moment and be there with my family and loved ones. My goal is to be with a team who is a great fit for me, and I look forward to giving 110% to whoever selects me. In the end, I just want my family to be proud of everything I do.”
The NBA Combined Draft will take place May 15-21 in Chicago, with the draft taking place on June 22 in New York City.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by NBA, NCAA, and international teams.
