Minott already projected NBA draft pick

HE HAS yet to make his collegiate debut. But national basketball player, Josh Minott, is already generating buzz of being a future NBA draft pick.

Minott, who has represented Jamaica at the international level, will start his rookie college season today when the Memphis Tigers take on Tennessee Tech University. The Tigers have been ranked 12th overall in the Associated Press pre-season poll and are coached by former NBA all-star Penny Hardaway.

Minott has already appeared on two 2022 mock drafts, from NBADraft.net, predicting that he will go ninth overall to the Bleacher Report projecting him to be picked 29th overall.

In a recent interview with the Daily Memphian, Hardaway said Minott’s talent and skill has warranted the reviews which were on display during Memphis’ Pro Day in early October.

“You do that to get the guys the publicity and exposure that they deserve. If they go out and show well, you put yourself in a position to be seen by a lot of guys,” Hardaway said. “By seeing his athleticism and seeing his willingness to do whatever it takes to win, very unselfish on both ends of the floor, that bodes well with the scouts.”

However, Minott is not taking anything for granted.

Speaking at Memphis Madness last month, the launch of the school’s basketball season, Minott says that he is ready to handle any role given to him this year as he seeks to establish himself on the team.

“As far as how am I going to play, there is really only one objective, just win. Whatever the coach needs me to do, I’ll do it. If that’s shoot, pass, drive, back-court cuts, dunks, whatever they need,” Minott said.

Hardaway says that Minott’s skill set will allow him opportunities on the floor this year although he will have to learn on the job in various positions.

“He’s going to be all over. Big guard, small forward, power forward. He’s a guy that has to learn two or three different positions and I know that’s tough for a freshman, but that’s his talent level,” Hardaway said.

Minott, who was born in Florida, participated in the dunk contest at Memphis Madness and is already adjusting to life at a division-one programme, grateful and ready to show his talents at this level.

“Where I’m from, it’s not really a big basketball community. So, to get national recognition is really just like I said, surreal. It’s unbelievable. I’m grateful to be here. I thank God every day and I hope that He continues to rain down blessings,” Minott said.

Minott is among the Jamaican contingent that will compete this season, which includes University of Illinois centre, Kofi Cockburn, and Siena College guard and Calabar High alum, Jordan Kellier.

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