By ADAM ZAGORIA
The more Nick Richards plays like this, the more he’s helping himself with NBA scouts.
After the 6-foot-11 Kentucky junior big man went for 25 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 11-of -14 from the foul line along with 14 rebounds and 4 blocks in Kentucky’s thrilling 76-74 overtime win at Texas Tech, several NBA scouts chimed in to say they were impressed.
“He’s starting to wow people, great game tonight,” one NBA scout said. “I love his energy level and he has good lateral quickness for his size.”
“We love coming in to environments like this…It’s a big time win for us.” 💪
— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) January 26, 2020
Nick Richards caught up with @TheAndyKatz after he helped @KentuckyMBB secure the OT dub in Lubbock! pic.twitter.com/sj3BAnMEyG
Playing a career-high 39 minutes, the Jamaican native from The Patrick School (N.J.) notched his eighth double-double in 19 games. He had one double-double in 74 games prior to this season. He scored in double-figures for the eighth straight game and is averaging 17.6 points and 9.8 rebounds over the last eight games.
Nick Richards had a MONSTER game for Kentucky in today's win 🔥 @iamnickrichards
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) January 26, 2020
25 PTS
14 REB
4 BLK pic.twitter.com/2TLfePdj1k
ESPN did not have Richards projected among the top 60 its most recent draft, while The Athletic has him at No. 75 on its Big Board.
“This is a bad draft, he should be higher,” the first scout said. “Especially if he continues to play like he did tonight. The SEC Tournament will be a chance to further enhance his status.”
Said a second NBA executive: “Second-round for sure. Top 45.”
Added a third NBA scout: “I think [Ashton] Hagans does a good job making him look good and when he gets opportunities to score he works to rebound. Mid-to-late second-round guy.”
And a fourth: “Loaded with talent, getting better all the time.”
Photo: USA Today Sports
This story has been updated.
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