Canada Sport News

The 24th overall pick in the NBA draft is Swiss-Canadian Kyshawn George chosen by the Wizards

The 24th overall pick in the NBA draft is Swiss-Canadian Kyshawn George chosen by the Wizards

June 27, 2024

Yet another Canadian heard his name called in the first round of the NBA Draft.

The Washington Wizards selected Swiss-Canadian forward Kyshawn George 24th overall on Wednesday.

George, 20, was born in Monthey, Switzerland and played his college hoops for the University of Miami. He’s the son of Canadian hooper Deon George who played his professional basketball in Europe with Brest in the French league and BBC Monthey-Chablais in the Swiss league.

His father grew up in Montreal and spent time as part of a training camp with the senior men’s national team according to Libaan Osman of the Toronto Star.

Kyshawn, meanwhile, enjoyed a solid freshman year in South Florida, averaging 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while hitting a stellar 40.8 per cent of his 3-pointers.

The Wizards have had an active night, trading up with the New York Knicks to the 24th pick to make sure they could select George. They also picked Frenchman Alex Sarr 2nd overall and guard Bub Carrington 14th overall after trading Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers to move into that spot.

Zach Edey was the first Canadian picked his year, going ninth overall to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the 2022 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards made a surprising choice with the 24th overall pick by selecting Swiss-Canadian prospect Kyshawn George. The 6’6″ shooting guard has been turning heads with his impressive skill set and potential to make an impact at the professional level.

George, who hails from Geneva, Switzerland, has been playing basketball since a young age and has honed his craft through hard work and dedication. He played college basketball at a top program in Canada, where he showcased his scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive prowess.

One of the key strengths of George’s game is his shooting ability. He has a smooth stroke from beyond the arc and can create his own shot off the dribble. His versatility on offense makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to add scoring punch to their lineup.

On the defensive end, George is known for his tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions. His length and athleticism allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively. He has the potential to develop into a lockdown defender at the NBA level with the right coaching and development.

While George may not be a household name yet, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the NBA. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect for the Wizards, who are looking to build a competitive roster for the future.

With the guidance of experienced coaches and teammates, Kyshawn George has the opportunity to continue to grow and develop his game at the professional level. Wizards fans should be excited about the potential of this young prospect and look forward to seeing him make his mark in the NBA.