Dante Exum, besides having a really great name that sounds like a rare RPG potion that cures everything, is really, really good at basketball. Such is his talent that the 6’6” point guard from East Melbourne and son of former NBL player, Cecil, has just declared for the 2014 NBA Draft, where he is currently projected (alongside current college sensations Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins) to be a top five draft pick in one of the most tantalising draft classes in recent NBA memory.
The Australian Institute of Sport graduate today announced his decision to sign with sports agents Rob Pelinka and Brandon Rosenthal of Landmark Sports Agency (home to NBA players Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Andre Iguodala and Andre Drummond) and officially declare for the 2014 draft, foregoing a year of growth, development and not having to guard Russell Westbrook by playing a “one-and-done” season in America’s college basketball system as some had predicted he might.
“We are excited to be working with Landmark Sports,” Exum’s family said in a statement to
ESPN.
“Our family felt The Landmark Team represented our style and manner of treating people, and in doing businesses. We also all shared a common commitment to achieving excellence in all things. The fit is just great and we are really pleased to now begin the work.”
“We are thrilled and honored to be working with Dante and his family,” Pelinka said. “As the NBA continues to expand its brand around the world, we feel like Dante’s international story comes at a perfect time. We also believe that, with continued hard work and focus, Dante is destined to be a ‘franchise’ point guard in this next generation of great NBA players.”
NBA scouts have been high on Exum ever since his showing at the Nike Hoops Summit in America last year and his performance at the FIBA U-19 World Championships where his most dominant statistical performance included 33 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 assists against Spain in the semifinals.
Needless to say, kid’s got game.
