Gonzaga star Jalen Suggs declares for NBA draft with NFT auction announcement
Jalen Suggs announced on Monday that he's selling an NFT to commemorate his shot in the national semifinals that launched Gonzaga into the NCAA championship game.
Also, he's turning pro.
In a sign of the times, the Gonzaga guard announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft alongside the NFT auction that will also score the winner the autographed pair of game-worn shoes from Gonzaga's win over UCLA.
This moment was just the beginning. As I officially turn pro, The Shot is now a 1-of-1 NFT, accompanied by my signed, game-worn shoes from the semis. The auction is live now on @opensea: https://t.co/YAQrBdnPVH pic.twitter.com/lHGzZUO1bc
— Jalen Suggs (@JalenSuggs2020) April 19, 2021
Will Jalen Suggs be a top-3 pick?
Suggs' decision to turn pro was expected as he's a projected lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek projected Suggs as the No. 2 pick in her latest mock draft. With his college eligibility behind him, Suggs decided to immediately cash in on his new-found professional status.
In his single season at Gonzaga, Suggs averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 50.3% from the field and 33.7% from 3-point distance. He was the leader on a team that finished 31-1, with its lone loss coming to Baylor in the national championship game.
Bulldogs reload as Suggs turns pro
Suggs' decision to leave for the NBA arrives just hours after the nation's No. 1 high school prospect Chet Holmgren committed to Gonzaga over suitors Michigan, North Carolina, Memphis, Georgetown, Ohio State and Minnesota.
Suggs' Gonzaga teammate Corey Kispert is also projected as a potential lottery pick after wrapping his senior season with the Bulldogs.
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