Adeleke's draft bubble bursts

Kenny Adeleke, the former Robeson High School star, saw his dream of becoming an NBA draft pick never materialize last Wednesday, June 28th, as all 30 teams passed on the south Jamaica native. His professional career is just beginning, however. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound power forward will play with the New York Knicks in the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League, made up mostly of rookies and second-year players.
Adeleke, projected by some as a second-round pick, isn't a signed free agent; the Knicks pay for his flight, hotel stay and a 102-dollar-a-day per diem in exchange for his services over six games. Depending on how well Adeleke plays he can sign a contract with the Knicks or any of the other 29 NBA organizations.
Adeleke, who was the nation's No. 2 rebounder (he averaged 13.1 boards, along with 20.1 points-per-game) at Hartford, was understandably disappointed after being bypassed. But his agent, Michael Whitaker, took another stance. He, too, wasn't happy. But the three undersized yet rugged defenders and boardsmen Adeleke has been compared to - Ben Wallace, Reggie Evans and Charles Oakley - all went un-drafted, and either had - or are experiencing - fine careers.
&#8220I tried to explain that to him,” said Whitaker, who noted that all NBA teams will have a scout at each of the six Las Vegas Summer League games.
Whitaker still pointed out that Adeleke was the lone player to average a double-double in the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, which showcased the top 64 prospects, and he also averaged 17 points and 8.5 rebounds at the Portsmouth Invitational.
A combination of his mid-major conference (America East), size (six-foot-8, not prototypical for a power forward) and athleticism (just a 30-inch vertical leap) all contributed to his being overlooked. Nevertheless, Adeleke's stock rose with his performance. &#8220Look at his results,” Whitaker said. &#8220Every camp, he outplayed everyone.”
If he can continue that trend, Adeleke may find himself on an NBA roster after all.