The Gonzaga standout discusses blocking out draft projections and leveraging five years of collegiate experience as he showcases his refined post game for Sacramento’s front office.
With the Sacramento Kings being one of the most diligent front offices with scheduling pre-draft workouts with NBA hopefuls, fans have also gotten the opportunity to hear from these prospects in various media availabilities.
Gonzaga big man Graham Ike, who worked out with Sacramento this past week, had an opportunity to talk about his pre-draft process and shutting out the inside noise.
"This process has been amazing to me," Ike said. "This is my 11th workout, and I've been having a great time meeting new faces, learning new terms and coverages, and getting to check out all the facilities while getting an early start to the lifestyle."
Ike, a projected second-round prospect, is one of the more experienced players in this year's draft class, having spent five seasons in college.
He talked about how his college tenure has benefited him throughout the offseason.
"I definitely feel like it has worked in my favor," Ike said when referring to his extended stay in college. "Each year, I've gotten better, I feel like, and with the age-case, everybody runs their own race. But, personally, I feel like it has worked out in my benefit because I've just allowed myself to grow."
Ike took a huge step forward after transferring from Wyoming to Gonzaga, finishing his career with back-to-back WCC Player of the Year seasons.
The Aurora, CO, native finished first in the WCC in scoring (19.9), second in rebounding (8.0), and first in field goal percentage (.563). He leaves Gonzaga with the eighth-most points in program history (1,797 points), despite playing just three seasons.
While this level of production certainly is worthy of NBA consideration, Ike's name has flown under the radar for most of the pre-draft process.
But, the Gonzaga big man says he doesn't care about these projections, instead choosing to focus on bettering himself.
"I haven't really been hearing much. I just like to put in the work, and just shut the phone off and enjoy my off time," Ike said. "I don't feed into any of that, because at the end of the day, whatever happens happens."
With Sacramento picking early in the second round, Ike may be a bit of a stretch, but is definitely worth a look later in the draft or as a potential UDFA target.
In his interview, it was apparently clear the big man is not worried about where he lands, and is locked in on getting himself prepared for the next level.
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