After the NCAA ruled University of Kentucky freshman Enes Kanter permanently ineligible for receiving more than $33,000 in impermissible benefits while playing in Turkey two years ago, that hasn’t affected his NBA Draft stock one bit. The 6-11, 262-pound center is projected as a top-5 pick this June, despite not playing a game all season, and apparently worked out yesterday in front of Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor.
It’s important to note that although he was ruled ineligible to play at UK by the NCAA, he is still draft-eligible. But the ruling hasn’t changed how coach John Calipari feels about the kid one bit.
“Enes will always be a part of our family and I plan to be by his side in the green room whenever he is drafted,” said Calipari in January.
Looking ahead to the Draft, right now the Jazz are slated to get the 15th pick, while they also own the Nets’ 2011 first-round selection (which could be a top-5 pick). While they already have Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur and Derrick Favors down low, they’re probably just doing their due diligence.
What do you think?
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