Kansas Basketball: Udoka Azubuike, Devon Dotson took different paths to NBA

The NBA Draft wrapped up its first round and Kansas basketball saw some of its talent make their way into the professional scene.

Members of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball team are consistently finding their way to the NBA and this week’s NBA Draft was no exception. One Jayhawk heard his name called in the first round, as Udoka Azubuike landed with the Jazz at pick No. 27.

Devon Dotson sadly went undrafted, but did end up signing with the Bulls. He’s too talented not to be given a shot at the professional level and it was tough to see him go undrafted.

Let’s dive further into these two players and a look at their new teams.

Udoka Azubuike to the Jazz

Azubuike getting drafted took a little longer than I had hoped. He went very late in the opening round and this was surprising. There were a lot of transactions between teams Wednesday night and that delayed Dok’s appearance in the first round.

It’s also important to note that multiple teams such as the Bulls, Hawks, and Cavs went with forwards to try and improve their advantage up top. The Jazz has an absence of power down low and they may be looking to replace Rudy Gobert in the paint.

It’ll be up to Utah to take advantage of Dok’s size and there’s no doubt in my mind that he can rack up points for the Jazz. His transition to the NBA will also require an improved endurance, which can be challenging for young centers like Azubuike.

Devon Dotson signs with Bulls

Dotson’s experience with the NBA Draft is “bittersweet” and that it was for the talented point guard out of Lawrence. Dotson went un-drafted in the first round of the draft. He later signed with the Chicago Bulls Wednesday evening.

This was hard to watch, especially since Devon averaged upwards of 18 points per game in his final year at KU. He is a definite playmaker and it’ll be interesting to see Dotson at the top of the key in his hometown of Chicago.

The Bulls have been rebuilding for a couple years now, and it’s good to see them making a powerful move by signing Dotson. This means they’re aware of the talent he can bring to the court and hopefully this will allow the Bull’s offense to be stronger up top. The season is nearing, and we’ll likely see Dotson getting some playing time come December.

It’s always nice to see members of Kansas basketball take their talents to the pros and exceed there. Hopefully both Azubuike and Dotson will shine in the NBA.