Sacramento Kings Interviewing Big 12 Players for NBA Draft
The Sacramento Kings have a recent history of drafting Big 12 players, and this draft may be no exception, if their draft prep is any indication.
The Kings reportedly cast a wide net during the NBA Scouting Combine last week, interviewing dozens of players that they could take with their selections next month.
Reportedly, at least three Big 12 players found themselves talking with the Kings.
Kansas guard Ochai Agbaji and Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan declared for the draft and have hired agents. Kansas guard Christian Braun retained his eligibility and must make a decision to stay in the draft or return to Kansas by June 1.
Agbaji was the Big 12 Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Final Four when the Jayhawks won their national title last month. Agbaji had career highs in scoring (18.6 points) and rebounds (5.1) last season.
Sochan, who left Baylor after just one season, was an All-Big 12 honorable mention and All-Big 12 Freshman selection after averaging 9.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on an average of 25 minutes per game last season.
Braun just wrapped up the best season of his career, averaging 14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, all of which were career-highs.
The Kings have the No. 4 overall pick in the first round and the No. 37 and No. 49 picks in the second round.
The Kings have taken three Big 12 players in the last two drafts. In the 2020 Draft, the Kings took Iowa State guard Tyrese Haliburton in the first round and Texas Tech guard Jahmi’us Ramsey in the second round. Haliburton was traded to Indiana last season and the Kings waived Ramsey in February.
In 2021, the Kings selected Baylor guard Davion Mitchell. He had a solid rookie campaign, as he averaged 11.1 points per game and was a starter by season’s end. His defense drew praise from opposing players, including Utah’s Donovan Mitchell.
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