Today, a pivotal decision awaited Cam Christie, a standout player for the Minnesota Gophers basketball team. He faced the choice of either continuing his collegiate career or officially declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. Ultimately, he opted to enter the draft, thereby forfeiting his remaining college eligibility.
Christie’s impact during his lone season with the Gophers was undeniable. Starting in 26 games, he emerged as a crucial player on the team, averaging an impressive 11.3 points per game and showcasing his sharpshooting abilities with a 39% three-point shooting rate.
NEWS: Minnesota's Cam Christie will remain in the 2024 NBA Draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, a source told ESPN. Christie is the No. 34 ranked prospect in ESPN's draft projections. pic.twitter.com/RhLoyrLg4d
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 29, 2024
After entering the transfer portal to explore his options, Christie made the bold decision to pursue a direct path to the NBA.
Christie, at 6-foot-6 and just 18 years old, brings an interesting blend of size, youth, fluidity, and shot-making versatility. I went to watch him work out earlier this month, and it's pretty clear why NBA teams are so intrigued with his long-term upside. https://t.co/Tc9GpZVjat pic.twitter.com/SOdXjd7FcQ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 29, 2024
While Christie is highly likely to be drafted, the uncertainty lies in whether he’ll secure a spot in the coveted first round, as indicated by various mock drafts placing him on the brink of this distinction.
Adding to the excitement, Cam Christie will be following in the footsteps of his brother, Max Christie, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers after a successful stint at Michigan State. With Cam’s impending NBA debut, both brothers will now be part of professional basketball rosters.
For head coach Ben Johnson and the Gopher basketball program, Christie’s forthcoming draft selection is a significant milestone, marking only the second time since 2004 that a Gopher player has been drafted. The last was Daniel Oturu, selected 33rd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.
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