Israel’s Hapoel Jerusalem continued its push to sign former NBA players, adding Sean Kilpatrick and Anthony Bennett to its roster, according to the team’s social media feed (Twitter links). Kilpatrick played in Turkey last season and hasn’t appeared in an NBA contest since 2018. Bennett, a former No. 1 overall pick, had his contract with a Puerto Rican franchise terminated last month. He hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2016/17 season. As previously noted, Hapoel Jerusalem also announced the signing of Pistons and Cavaliers big man Thon Maker.
We have more from the basketball world:
- Emoni Bates, considered the best high school prospect in the country, has committed to the University of Memphis, Shams Charania of The Athletic tweets. He reclassified into the Class of 2021 but still won’t be eligible for the NBA draft until 2023 because his 19th birthday isn’t until January 2023. A 6’9″ small forward from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Bates committed to Michigan State last summer, but he de-committed in April.
- Anas Mahmoud played with the Raptors in the Las Vegas summer league and is looking to become the first homegrown Egyptian player to make the NBA. Blake Murphy of The Athletic takes a closer look at the 7-footer, who could be ticketed to the G League if he doesn’t gain a spot on the Toronto roster. “I’ll probably be the first Egyptian coming out of the Egyptian league,” Mahmoud said. “I was a little different (from other Egyptians who have made the NBA) because I only got here right (before) college and went back to play in the (Egyptian) league. It’s a pleasure and it’s an honor.”
- Gonzaga power forward Chet Holmgren, Duke power forward Paolo Banchero and G League Ignite shooting guard Jaden Hardy top ESPN Jonathan Givony’s initial top-100 list for the 2022 draft. Givony also explores a number of storylines surrounding next year’s projected draft class, including the lack of point guard depth.
- Former NBA guard Ron Baker quietly retired last year and he’s got a new job, according to Shelby Kellerman of the Wichita Business Journal. Baker has been hired as a project manager in Ascension Via Christi’s strategy and business development department. Baker, 28, appeared in 96 games during his NBA career, including a combined 15 with the Knicks and Wizards during the 2018/19 season.
Penny has a JUGGERNAUT of a UofMemphis squad coming in this season with Emoni & Duren along with big Sam Onu & the Lawson brothers added to Dre Williams, Nolley & Quinones. All 3 of Emoni, Duren & Williams are All-American candidates. But tbh the return of pg Tyler Harris might end up being just as important as any of their other additions. This is a team that should definitely contend for an AAC title with Houston & should be a top 3seed come tourney time unless of course the NCAA decides to suspend somebody for the whole yr like they did with Wiseman
The Coogs were barely a #2 seed last year as good as they were. No way will Memphis be anything near that, maybe a top 6-8 seed if they’re that good.
Barely a 2seed lol, I guess they were “barely” a final 4 team too & Houston is “barely” in Texas lol. UofH was clearly a top3 seed last season & was arguably a top3 team in the nation tbh. They were extremely talented, experienced & well coached. This Memphis team is MUCH more talented than even last yrs Houston team. Memphis is probably the most talented team in the country tbh. They have momentum from a very strong finish to last season. They are much less experienced than Houston was but they still have key upperclassmen too to go along with their ridiculous incoming class of freshmen. But hey if you weren’t hating on basketball players then I guess you wouldn’t be staying true to yourself so go crazy lol
Zags are gonna be tough again.
That’s big facts, especially with Timme coming back
Baker was a fun player to watch for a season or 2
Emoni is the next one. Needs to fill out. But is destined to be a star. Unfortunately he’s committed to Michigan then the G-league, now Memphis. Mixed up kid, if you ask me. Better get his shot together. Cause he’ll be coming into serious Féria soon.
Emoni Bates is a real 3. He’s long with big time game.
different times last two years. everything’s a moving target now. nil changed the landscape. get the college experience and make money now too. hard to make a decision when the written future isn’t set yet.
He never committed to Michigan or the G-League, you’re the one that’s mixed up
Unless they change the NBA rule, Bates will have to stay in college for two years instead of one. His birthday is not until January, so that means he won’t be 19 in time to qualify for the draft. Or I guess he could go to the G League after this year. But either way he won’t be in the NBA until 2023 at the earliest unless changes are made.
Sean Killpatrick was a baller!!!!!!!
Uh, he is still alive and playing y’know, just not in the NBA.
Mahmoud reminds me a lot of Evan Mobley in terms of body, and play style. I’m excited to see what he can do with a couple years of G league seasoning under his belt.
NIL sux. Why should Memphis get two pro programs. Or anyone
100% agreed. I also think the NCAA’s transfer portal is just as horrible a decision. Players now leave programs just as easily as they change their socks. With no consequences. College basketball is about to be no more important than college baseball. A cool postseason tourney that few people pay attention to.
Best days are well behind, even before NIL.
Colleges should give up on conferences because it costs money to ship students all over, when competition is available closer.
Mens basketball teams are pretty much all the same and star-dependent, football is corrupt, and what other sport needs them? Even has that many fans? Who keeps track of conference titles even in football?
Etc,etc
Hello Dana,
Can you fix the sentence of the word ‘January 2003? He won’t turn 19 until January ‘2023’ not ‘2003’. Please & thank you.
“but still won’t be eligible for the NBA draft until 2023 because his 19th birthday isn’t until January ‘2003’”.