NBA DRAFT: First Tristan Thompson, Now Cory Joseph?
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TORONTO,ON–An absolutely hectic Thursday evening has been followed by a chaotic “Good Friday” as Canadian basketball history is on the verge of being made today!
Yesterday evening, a source close to the situation had confirmed that Tristan Thompson would indeed be declaring for the 2011 NBA draft. In addition, several sources have confirmed to NPH, NorthPoleHoops.com that Thompson’s agent Leon Rose of powerhouse agency, CAA was in town (in Toronto) since last week, ironing out details with the Thompson family.
Rose possesses a list of the NBA’s hottest commodities and biggest names including Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and Chris Paul to name a few.
UPDATE: Thompson will also now enter without an agent.
Thompson has 100% declared, and this has been confirmed. However, as a source told NPH late last night, “Texas will send out release in the day and you will be shocked to see something you didn’t expect.”
What could this be? A potential statement that every Canadian only dreamed of would happen in the beginning of the 2010-2011 campagin? It could now be a reality.
The pioneers have arrived.
Texas Longhorn point guard and fellow Canadian, Cory Joseph could very well be testing the NBA waters as he is currently on the fence, and exploring his options. With the deadline being this Tuesday, April 25th, Joseph must make a decision by then as to where he will take his basketball future. Will he remain in Texas for another year, or will he tag along with Tristan Thompson and make Canadian basketball history!
If Joseph elects to declare for the NBA, it would be arguably the biggest Canadian basktball milestone to have not one, but two Canadians selected in the same NBA draft.
Several NBA owners and GM’s have Joseph projected as a late first round pick or early second round selection. Joseph would be entering the draft without an agent.
“As of now that’s his decision, it’s a possibility. He’s getting good advice to stay and good advice to go,” confirmed the source, who will remain annonymous.
After Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker and Jimmer Fredette…Joseph is as much of a promising lead guard as any. He possesses both tangible and intangible abilities that are quite intriguing to an NBA scout. Most evident is Joseph’s shooting touch at the one-spot. Also, if one is to analyze his pedigree, they will discover that Joseph is an absolute winner!
NPH has had the opportunity to follow Joseph’s progress from his Canadian high school days at Pickering high where he captured back-to-back provincial titles alongside brother, Devoe Joseph; to his time with Grassroots Canada, capturing major AAU championships; and finally at Findlay Prep, where he also grasped back-back national championships!
At present, Joseph continues to ponder about the biggest decision of his life. Will he stay or will he go???
STAY TUNED ON NPH, NORTHPOLEHOOPS.COM FOR THE LATEST ON BOTH TRISTAN THOMPSON AND CORY JOSEPH!
PHOTO COURTESY: KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
