Jonathan GivonyESPN2 minute read
Olivier-Maxence Prosper is keeping his name in the 2023 NBA Draft and will forfeit his remaining eligibility to Marquette, he told ESPN on Friday.
“After talking to my family, my agents, and evaluating the feedback I received after the draft and my pro day, I’ve decided to keep my name,” Prosper said. “Teams say they’re really intrigued by me and appreciate my skills and ability to impact the game on both sides. I’m ready to take that leap and go after that.”
The 6-foot-8 Prosper, the No. 32 ESPN 100 prospect, had a solid pre-draft process that elevated his standing in the eyes of NBA teams from a fringe prospect to a potential pick. first round. He posted 21 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes in his only draft game and hosted a busy pro day in Los Angeles on Tuesday where several NBA executives told ESPN they were impressed with his perimeter shooting. and its explosiveness. He took part in five one-on-one practices with NBA teams before the combine and now has a busy schedule over the next four weeks that will see him visit most of the teams selected in the first round.
“Coming out of college, people were questioning the consistency of my sweater,” Prosper said. “It’s something that I’ve really worked hard to show NBA teams that I can be a catch-and-shoot player. I have the ability to improve and become very versatile on both sides. If some teams weren’t sure, I showed them I can do more things on both sides of this process.”
Prosper helped Marquette win the regular season and Big East Conference Tournament championships, averaging 12.5 points in 29 minutes per game while bringing exceptional defensive versatility with his high level of intensity, his span of 7-foot-1 and his ability to cover ground on the perimeter.
A young junior who is only four and a half months older than one of college basketball’s top freshmen last season in Brandon Miller, Prosper fits a prototype that many NBA teams are actively seeking. with his ability to play one or the other of the points before his shooting range (34% against 3 last season) continues to evolve.
“My game translates very well to the NBA,” Prosper said. “It’s a positionless league, and wingers like me who can hold multiple positions, run on the ground, finish in transition and make all 3 catches and shoots find ways to make winning plays and have a impact on the games. From what I’ve been told, there’s no reason I shouldn’t be a first-rounder.”
Marquette, who was expected to return almost all of his roster next season, was projected as the No. 3 team in ESPN’s preseason rankings with the assumption that Prosper would return. His departure is a blow to Shaka Smart’s Golden Eagles, who will have to scramble for a late replacement in the transfer portal or high school ranks. Rising junior David Joplin and rising second student Ben Gold will likely be called upon to take on additional responsibilities.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private drafting and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA and international teams.
