Native American Basketball Players not Invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago

(Chicago) – Recently, ESPN released a list of preliminary invited players who will participate in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Illinois and some of the names not on the list include Indian Country’s Bronson Koenig (HoChunk), Derek Willis (Arapaho), and Chance Comanche (Choctaw/Comanche). There is a possibility of the trio getting a late invite as many top prospects such as Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson will not compete in any draft combine situations because they do not want to risk getting injured.

For these highly touted players, the draft combine does not mean a lot because they preformed very well during the season, but for those athletes not projected in the early rounds, this would give them an opportunity to improve their draft stock, such as our Native players.

Even though Indian Country’s players were not invited to the NBA Draft Combine. This does not mean that they do not have the chance to get drafted, it just means their journey is going to be more challenging. Koenig still plans to show off his skills in team camps and hopefully have a chance of having his name being called on draft night.

Meantime, a second combine will run May 15-17 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL. That event is being run by Professional Basketball Combine and will issue its list following the announcement of the FINAL NBA Draft Combine. One source said a number of NBA teams would attend if they attract a strong group of players.

It’s possible that should Bronson, Derek, or Chance not receive an invite to the Chicago NBA Draft Combine, they could still possibly receive an invite to this second combine.

For a complete list , check out ESPN’s List.

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