John Riek Won’t Play in Pre-Draft Camps, But Still Hopes to be Drafted
Words. HShoop
John Riek (photo. Kelly Kline)
The 7-2 240 lbs. Sudanese center has been down in Bradenton, Florida at the training mecca, IMG Academies getting ready to finally prove himself worthy of NBA consideration. But wait, Riek just finished a year at The Winchendon School (Winchendon, Mass.) so how can he get drafted? After some investigation, it turned out that Riek actually graduated from high school in the Sudan, so his years in the U.S. count as post-grad.
Of everyone entering June’s Draft, Riek is the most unknown talent. Even the international prospects have some tapes of games they’ve played overseas. You can find Nicolas Batum, Danilo Gallinari, Serge Ibaka and other big-time players from Africa and Europe on YouTube. But Riek is a total wild card. That’s why it could be a real killer for his draft hopes that his chronic knee injury will keep him out of the pre-draft camp in Orlando.
According to ZAGSBLOG…
John Riek will not participate in games at the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp but his advisor believes Riek may still hear his name called by Commissioner David Stern at the NBA Draft on June 26.