Minnesota’s Christie will test NBA Draft waters
Minnesota freshman guard Cam Christie announced on social media he plans to enter the NBA Draft process, while maintaining his college eligibility.
The Rolling Meadows High School graduate was one of the best freshmen in the Big Ten this season, averaging 11.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and shot 39.1% from 3-point range.
“It has always been a dream of mine to make it to the NBA,” Christie wrote on his social media post. “Today, I am honored to share that I am entering the 2024 NBA draft process. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am eager to receive feedback from the NBA on my game.”
Christie is free to work out for NBA teams and participate in the draft combine, then decide if he wants to stay in the draft or return to college.
His older brother, Max, turned pro after spending one season at Michigan State and was drafted early in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022. Now in his second NBA season, Max Christie has earned a reserve role for the Lakers. He's appeared in 66 games this season and is building a reputation as a strong defender.
Between the two brothers, Cam posted better numbers as a college freshmen. Max averaged 9.3 points for MSU.
Meanwhile, Willowbrook native Matas Buzelis announced he would enter the NBA Draft, which comes as no surprise. The 6-foot-10 forward is expected to be a top-10 pick, perhaps even top 5.
Buzelis is playing for G-League Ignite, the developmental team based in Las Vegas. He attended Hinsdale Central as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, then Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas.
“It's surreal,” Buzelis said in an interview with WGN. “I always dreamed of this moment. Playing in the NBA is a dream come true to me.”
Buzelis, 19, averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds for G-League Ignite this season.
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