Boise State’s Jessup will try to improve draft stock by playing in Australia’s NBL
Boise State alum Justinian Jessup has signed to play for The Hawks as a Next Star in Australia’s National Basketball League, according to a press release from the Wollongong-based club.
“I am very pleased that Justinian will be part of The Hawks program,” Hawks coach Brian Goorjian said in a statement “He will give the team a real lift offensively, being a fantastic 3-point shooter and a very good all-around player.
“He has a drive to play in the NBA, and The Hawks will do everything possible to help him achieve his goal. He has a great work ethic and is an excellent teammate from all reports.”
Jessup, 22, is still eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft, which is set for Oct. 15. Playing in the NBL could help elevate his draft stock. NBL Next Star and reigning Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball is expected to be a first-round pick after his season with The Hawks.
“It’s a great opportunity to get NBA exposure while playing against tough competition,” Jessup said in the press release. “I’m excited about playing for Coach Goorjian and all the young guys on the team. LaMelo playing last year was huge for the league and brought a lot of exposure (for the NBL), and I know it’s going to be tough competition, which I’m really looking forward to.”
Jessup wrapped up his Boise State career as the Mountain West and Boise State career leader with 325 made 3-pointers. As a senior in 2019-20, he set the program’s single-season record with 98 made triples. He also is No. 2 in Boise State history with 121 career starts, and he is No. 8 with 1,583 career points. He’s the first player in program history to record at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals and 50 blocked shots.
“With his elite-level shooting ability, Justinian possesses a definable NBA skill, which ideally complements the modern NBA game,” Hawks co-owner Bryan Colangelo said. “Since speculation started about Justinian joining our program, I have heard from several teams who have him on their radar and are tracking his progress in advance of the upcoming NBA Draft.
“Our collective goal this season is to get Justinian prepared for his promising basketball future by focusing on his strength and physicality while refining and enhancing his overall on-court skills.”
Jessup, a 6-foot-7 wing, signed a two-year contract with The Hawks, according to NBL Media’s Liam Santamaria.
Anthony Drmic, another former Boise State star, will play the 2020-21 season for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL.
This story was originally published August 27, 2020 at 9:55 PM.
