Turkey’s Enes Kanter is the mystery man in this years’ NBA draft
The mystery man in this year’s National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, Enes Kanter finally stepped on a basketball court on Friday for the first time after 13 months. Kanter is Turkey’s highest rated prospect, but his potential and the extent of his abilities is still a riddle to many NBA executives, who will be keenly gauging his capabilities in the combines. Kanter who plays at the centre position, bring with him a very high reputation due to his stupendous performances last spring and some of the European history.
Enes is the unknown great, how great he is, is yet to be analyzed.
Kanter is excited about the opportunity to showcase his ability on the biggest stage as well, "No one has seen me play. I'm so happy I'm here. I can finally show myself to the NBA."
The 6 ft 11 in Kanter is expected to fall in the top five picks in the NBA draft that will be held in June. If Duke’s Kyrie Irving and the small forward Derrick Williams go first and second, the 19-year-old Enes stands considerable chances to be drafted by the Utah Jazz, who won the third pick overall. Or else the Jazz can leave Kanter on the board for the Cleveland Cavaliers with the fourth pick considering the need for a point guard as Utah have a glut of big men.
Enes joined the University of Kentucky however National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) restricted him to play college basketball as a result of the time he spent playing for Fenerbahce in both the Euro League and Turkish League. Kanter had no desire to go back to Turkey at that point and wanted to study at an American university. So he stayed with the Arizona Wildcats despite of the fact that he could only practice with them
"Once they made me ineligible, I was so sad. I came to the United States for my education. After everything, I said I can't give up now. I had to get ready for the next level." Kanter said.
Playing for the World Team in the Nike Hoop Summit thirteen months ago, Kanter dazzled the NBA scouts with his electrifying performance. He smashed the American team featuring Harrison Barnes from North Carolina and Jared Sullinger from Ohio State with a 34-point blitz and clutched 13 rebounds even though he had taken four pain killers for a sore back.
This outstanding domination was a shining moment for the young superstar which earned him a lot reputation in the league. On top of that, the most inspiring part of the performance was the 21 minutes of the play time which surpassed the German sharp-shooter Dirk Nowitzki’s record in the same tournament in 1998.
The game against the American team was the last time anyone saw Kanter on the court so the NBA combine will be more important for him than any player in terms of the attendance. The top prospects like Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams can refuse to work out but Kanter cannot have the same luxury. In order to showcase his potential, Enes will be doing all the drills and practice asked from him.
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