Lucas Nogueira, a 7-foot prospect from Brazil, has declared for the NBA Draft, according to Yahoo! Sports. And while he might be relatively unknown to fans compared to other draft candidates, he could end up being taken in the first round.
Lucas Nogueira declares for NBA Draft, according to report
The 7-foot Brazilian big is headed to the NBA, and many believe he can be a first-round pick.
Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
The 20 year old previously entered the draft in 2011, but withdrew, and has been on the radar of NBA front offices ever since. Nogueira comes from the Spanish ACB League where he played for Estudiantes last year. Yahoo! cites his 7’6 wingspan, strength and an improving offensive skill set as reasons why he might be an attractive pick. ESPN also classifies him as an excellent shot blocker with an ability to rebound.
In their most recent projections, NBADraft.net and DraftExpress have Nogueira going No. 20 and 29, respectively. DraftExpress also calls him the fourth-best prospect in his age group, behind three former lottery picks.
ESPN, however, is not as optimistic. The Worldwide Leader most recently classified him as a second-rounder at best.
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