Two former Jayhawks have taken the next step in their professional careers after hearing their names called in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The sharp-shooting, social media sensation that is former Kansas guard Gradey Dick was selected No. 13 overall by the Toronto Raptors.
Dick caught headlines earlier in the day for his glamorous suit choice which reflected his sunflower roots by paying tribute to the famous Kansas-themed movie The Wizard of Oz.
Gradey Dick tells us the 3 things to know about his draft night fit ‼
— NBA (@NBA) June 22, 2023
The #NBADraft presented by State Farm begins at 8pm/et on ABC & ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6UvSQxX85M
Dick – a Wichita, Kansas, native – came to KU after a decorated high school career, during which he was a two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American.
He earned a five-star ranking from every major recruiting site and announced his intention to play for KU – the team he grew up watching and rooting for as a kid – early in the recruiting process in March 2021.
In his lone season as a Jayhawk, Dick made his presence felt early as he started all 36 games this past season. He was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team and All-Big 12 Second Team after averaging 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Dick should be able to see the floor early in his rookie season as a Raptor. The team went 41-41 this past year and finished ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Following the draft announcement, it appears Dick even received a follow on social media from Toronto’s most famous fan, hip-hop superstar Drake.
It was a memorable night for the 19-year-old from Kansas, and with his skills he has the chance to have a memorable career in the NBA.
Jalen Wilson
As expected, Dick wasn’t the only Jayhawk to hear his name called Thursday night.
Former Kansas wing Jalen Wilson was selected No. 51 overall by the Brooklyn Nets. He’ll now have the chance to play for a former all-time Kansas great in Jacque Vaughn.
As a redshirt junior, Wilson capped off one of the greatest careers in Kansas basketball history.
He led the Big 12 with 20.1 points (just the third Jayhawk to average 20 or more points under Bill Self) and 8.3 rebounds per game on his way to racking up a bevy of honors by season’s end.
Wilson was a unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and All-Big 12 First Team selection. He was also a consensus First Team All-American and Julius Erving Award winner as the best small forward in college basketball.
Wilson was thought to be a fringe first round pick heading into this year’s NBA draft but ended up sliding further than expected in the second round.
With his pedigree and experience playing at the highest level in college basketball, Wilson could be a steal for the Nets this late in the draft. And knowing Wilson’s competitive nature, he’ll want to prove the other teams wrong for passing him by.
The team is going through a rebuilding process, so he should have plenty of opportunities to prove his ability early on in his upcoming rookie season.
Head coach Bill Self attended this year’s draft to show his support for both Dick and Wilson and thinks both players ended up in good spots, respectively.
Bill Self on Jalen Wilson: "His representation feels like it's a very good fit. He'll certainly have a chance to make the roster."
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) June 23, 2023
On Gradey Dick: "They're going to need to need him to be a producer for him .. I actually think it's a great fit for him." #kubball
Kansas fans are loyal to their players, even after they’re done wearing the crimson and blue. And you can bet they’ll be watching and rooting in the months ahead as these two former Jayhawks take the next step in their professional careers.