London-Born OG Anunoby Drafted by Toronto Raptors
London-born OG Anunoby was selected as the 23rd pick by Toronto Raptors in the 2017 NBA Draft on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old – who lived in London until the age of four before moving to Jefferson City, Missouri – becomes the fourth English-born player drafted since 2004 following on from Ben Gordon, Joel Freeland and Ryan Richards .
London-born @OAnunoby was selected by the @Raptors with the 23rd pick in the #NBADraft last night…and he has a British passport 🇬🇧🏀 pic.twitter.com/9y4dpCtr2Z
— Hoopsfix 🇬🇧🏀 (@Hoopsfix) June 23, 2017
While it remains unclear whether he would suit up for GB in the future, Hoopsfix has learned he does has a British passport, and the video below clearly shows Anunoby identifies with his native country.
“I have a lot of pride [coming from London],” he said.
“I tell everyone I’m from London, I have it in my instagram bio and I hope to get back there soon, if not this summer then the next.”
🇨🇦🇬🇧 Say hello to your new favourite Toronto Raptor, London-born @OAnunoby! OG was selected 23rd in last night's #NBADraft! pic.twitter.com/kAeSdtsaFG
— NBA UK (@NBAUK) June 23, 2017
Anunoby was averaging 11.1 points per game in his sophomore year at Indiana University before suffering a season-ending injury in January.
The 6’8″ forward revealed his rehab is ahead of schedule and plans to have an impact at both ends of the floor for the Raptors.
Keepin' it OG at 23.
Welcome to the Raps, @OAnunoby!#WeTheNorth | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/I45HLJxuGS
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 23, 2017
“Right now, I’m starting to do a lot more on the court..I should be back full go October,
November,” he said following the draft.
“I think I [will] bring a versatile wing defender that can defend multiple positions, and on offence hit open shots, cut to the basket, and then just create havoc on defence.”
Raptors’ Head Coach Dwane Casey added: “”We’re lucky he fell to us at 23. He has a toughness, he’s NBA ready physically, defensively, he’s one of the top defenders in the draft.”
Anunoby (1997-born) would have been eligible to represent the GB Under-20’s this summer, but for injury, and would have almost certainly been in contention to play for the Senior side.
The Commish makin' it Offish. #WeTheNorth #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/nDfAonilri
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 23, 2017
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