Thoughts on Alex Len’s 5th Pick Selection by Phoenix

Whereas I wanted Alex to be the #1 pick, in the long run being selected 5th could be the best result for him. Despite the drop in money, 2.9 million salary for the Ukranian is more then he ever could have imagined. Alex will not have the pressure of bing examined as the #1 pick. He will be far away from the scrutiny of the East coast media that could have haunted him. Phoenix is a great city with tremendous fans that will be more patient with his development. Overall a great fit for Maryland’s highest draft choice since Franchise was taken 2nd.

Synopsis from NBAdraft.net

5. Alex Len | 7-1 | 255 | C | Maryland | 20

Alex Len: New Phoenix general manager Ryan McDonough has a massive rebuilding project ahead of him. He starts in the middle, taking Maryland center Alex Len. Despite not making any of the three All-ACC teams his sophomore year, Len possesses an intriguing combination of size (7-foot-1), length (7-foot-3.5) and athleticism (grew up as a gymnast in his native Ukraine). Len is surprisingly agile for his size, with the ability to cover a lot of territory without expending much energy. However, he would disappear for large stretches of ballgames last year (to be fair, you would too if you played with his guards) and he has a high center of gravity, which can allow stronger players to push him off his spot. It will be up to the phenomenal Phoenix Suns’ training staff to help him overcome the stress fracture he suffered in his foot – a scary injury for any big man. -Nick Prevenas
Comment from Mark Turgeon
“We are very proud of Alex,” said head coach Mark Turgeon. “He has worked extremely hard to become a top five selection in the NBA Draft. He is committed to getting better each day and will continue to do so as he makes the transition to the NBA. Alex has come such a long way in just two years both on and off the court and we are all very excited for what the future holds for him. This is a great day and exciting time for the Maryland Basketball program.”
from azcentral.com

When Maryland center Alex Len took the NBA draft stage Thursday night as the Suns’ No. 5 draft choice, it was not the first time that the 20-year-old Ukrainian outshined Kentucky center Nerlens Noel at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

To start the past college basketball season on Nov. 9, Len’s Maryland team lost to Noel’s Kentucky team, but Len won the center matchup. Len posted 23 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Noel, the center who was often associated with the draft’s top pick until Thursday night.

The Suns did not just think Len was the best center in this year’s draft. The Suns thought Len was the best player in this year’s draft.

The Suns brass started salivating once Cleveland dropped jaws by taking UNLV’s Anthony Bennett first. Prior to that, the Suns discussed trading up in the draft order to be able to get Len, who teams began to believe was going to Cleveland.

The Suns passed on Noel and Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore because of their belief in Len’s high ceiling.

 

Maryland Basketball, Uncategorized
There Are No Responses to this Post

No comments have been posted yet, be the first!

Post a comment by filling out the form below.

Write a Comment!










Message


YoungTerps Tweets

Terp Talk Tweets


Bruce Posner Tweets


Sponsors

Viener Consulting

Saiontz and Kirk

Dr Jeffrey Gaber and Associates
Never Miss a Terp Beat!

Enter your email address: