Nearly 20 NBA scouts are expected for Friday’s Iona-Manhattan game at Draddy Gym, sources confirmed to SNY.tv.
Josh Newman of the Asbury Park Press was the first to report the number at 16 NBA scouts, many of whom are in town for Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden.
A.J. English, a 6-5 junior point guard from Iona (18-6), is averaging 20.1 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds and has previously had NBA scouts come through to watch him.
Iona senior forward David Laury, the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year at 6-9, is averaging 21.2 points and 9.3 rebounds.
“I think they have a shot [to make the NBA], I think they definitely do if they keep improving and working on their game,” Iona coach Tim Cluess recently told SNY.tv. “Dave is a very touch matchup at any level, now he’s shooting the 3 as well so he’s really changed that. He’s a big guy who can pass and handle. I see some of the guys who are at that level and I see guys Dave’s played against and what he’s done to them in his matches, I have to say yes.
“A.J. is a ridiculously talented young man who’s just getting better and better. I think he’s got a great shot of making it.”
