Former Gonzaga forward Domantas Sabonis declared for the NBA draft after completing his sophomore year and tomorrow night, like the title of the Ernest Hemingway novel, “The son also rises.” Yes, the son of legendary former Portland Trail Blazer Arvydas Sabonis is an aggressive rebounder and multi-skilled offensive threat. Thursday night he’ll parlay those KSAs, knowledge, skills abilities, into an NBA contract.
He has many of the same qualities as his Dad, as we saw in the Zags final game, the nail-biting Sweet 16 loss to Syracuse. Like father, like son, even right down to the flopping, and then trying to sell the phantom foul to the officials.
Like his dad, Sabonis is a physical big man with the talent and skill set to have a long NBA career. You know he has the pedigree.
Sabonis the Younger is looking like a very likely lottery selection. Some mock drafts have Domantas Sabonis as high as #8 overall and no one seems to have him lower than #19. Here’s where we have Sabonis going in our latest NBA mock draft and why.
12. Utah-Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonzaga, 6-10, Soph.
With an already young core in tact, the Jazz don’t have any glaring needs but could use some depth inside. The son of former NBA big man, Arvydas; Domantas Sabonis is an aggressive rebounder and fairly skilled offensive threat as well.
Looking forward at Gonzaga, now they will fill their void in the low post with their first McDonalds All-American signee in history- incoming freshman seven footer Zach Collins (Kyle Wiltjer originally committed to Kentucky).
It just goes to show you how far Gonzaga basketball has come in a little over 15 years. They’re no upstart, or even “just” a regional power. Premium cable reality shows, Sweet 16s, lottery picks, McDonald’s All-Americans, Gonzaga basketball has arrived.
“I guess you could say that,” GU guard Eric McClellan said.
“It’s a great place to be.”
“This is not a mid-major program anymore.”
Sabonis does all of the little things that make him such a valuable player. What Sabonis lacks in elite athleticism he makes up for in strength, toughness, basketball IQ and leadership.
“He’s our heart and soul, he’s our warrior. He’s huge,” said Gonzaga Coach Mark Few.
“He’s our best leader just because he’s so respected by everybody, players, staff.”
The leadership conveyed by Sabonis will certainly drive up the value of his NBA Draft stock. He has a maturity beyond his years; supplemented by his work ethic and passion.
“He wants to win so badly, and he’s got this crazy passion for the game,” said Wiltjer.
If anything goes wrong, he’s playing with a frustrated passion, and when he plays with that passion, we’re firing on all cylinders.”
Damontas Sabonis knows that he needs to step up when it comes to being a vocal leader. It’s key in order to help rounding him out as a more fully complete player.
“I think I have to speak up more, everyone knows I do that on the court, but I need to show that off the court as well,” said Sabonis.
“I think my teammates respect me and I got to show it in other ways than on-the-court, it will help the team in the future.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram