It is every basketball players dream to get drafted into the NBA. All those training sessions, studying, sacrifices, and traveling might finally pay off after years and year of dedication. When both Commissioner David Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver announce each pick, players watching at home are biting their finger nails and working up cold, nervous sweats. Unfortunately, the young aspiring NBA player's hoping to get drafted, will not hear their names called on June 27th, 2013. Combo guard Ramon Galloway of the La Salle Exlporers and C.J. Aiken of the Saint Joseph's Hawks hope they are not part of the disappointed group that fail to hear their names said next to the name of an NBA franchise.
Point Guard Ramon Galloway-2nd Round-Undrafted: Remember the 2011 6'1" scoring AP All-American Third Team point guard Jacob Pullen who played at Kansas State? For those of you who don't, he was a terrific scorer who was not completely comfortable playing the point guard position. He had all the skills to put the ball through the net and he created his own shot with ease, but his height was a big issue. At 6'1", Galloway has a similar issue. Ramon has a knack for scoring the basketball, but has issues being a traditional point guard. His inability to act as a true point guard might leave him without a team to go to after all 60 picks have been called this Thursday. Third Team AP All-American Jacob Pullen didn't get drafted and I unfortunately believe Galloway will not get drafted either. The Philadelphia 76er's are in need of a scorer and backup point guard and they could potentially draft the heralded Philadelphia product in the second round. On a negative note, Jacob Pullen was once brought into the Sixers summer league team and they ended up not signing him which is concerning to Galloway since they have very similar styles of play. Though the former Explorer guard is unsure of his future in the NBA, European teams will be calling Mr. Galloway's phone if he isn't chosen. The man can play and owning his skills overseas in Europe for a few years might actually lead him to the NBA one day.
Tweet by @itzonly1_Ramon (Galloway) before the draft yesterday "I'm up getting ready to go to the gym. Today is a special for me and my family. No matter what after…" Great positive attitude by Ramon.
Power Forward C.J. Aiken-2nd Round-Undrafted: Aiken leaves Saint Joseph's after his Junior season to pursue his dream of becoming an NBA player. Some believe he left for the NBA too early, but nobody should blame him. The Saint Joe's forward has led the A-10 in blocks the last three seasons and has a nice outside game to combine with his defensive skills. Though Aiken averaged under 6 rebounds per game, his elite shot blocking ability can't be taught and his ability to stretch the floor is valued at the next level. I don't know if he will get drafted, but I am predicting the Philadelphia 76er's will take a gamble on him with one of their second round picks. The Sixers recently took their chances drafting Philly product Lavoy Allen from Temple and signing Villanova's Maalik Wayns, so it is very possible that Aiken can hear his name voiced by Deputy Commissioner Silver this Thursday. If not selected, C.J. could be signed by the Sixers before the season begins. The Sixers will most likely be in dire need of help.
As we all found out last night, both Galloway and Aiken were not drafted. Hopefully a team will sign them as free agents and give them the shots they deserve.
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