SYRACUSE -- The NBA Draft is Thursday, and Central New Yorkers are keeping their eyes on a number of players.
Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson is the big name, a near lock to be a top five pick on Thursday. According to ESPN reporter Andy Katz, Johnson expects to be drafted either number three to the New Jersey Nets, or at number four to the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to Johnson's agent Rob Pelinka, the Nets like Johnson's professionalism and ability to contribute immediately. According to Pelinka, that's why Johnson has moved ahead of Georgia Tech's Derrick Favors on their draft board.
Fellow Syracuse teammate Andy Rautins has also entered the draft, and if drafted will most likely be picked towards the end of the second round according to most experts. Rautins has worked out for 14 NBA teams and could also sign a free agent deal even if he's not drafted.
Another name to look out for is Cornell big man Jeff Foote. Foote has already signed a multi-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. Foote was excited for the opportunity saying, "It's a storied program", at the highest level of European basketball. Foote also stated that he is keeping an open mind about the draft. Foote has worked out with multiple teams and there is still a possibility he could play in the NBA this coming season.
You can read more about these players and the NBA draft from the following links.
