Adam Sanogowho was named Final Four MVP after leading the UConn men to the national championship, put his name in the NBA Draft.
Sanogo, a native of Mali who played at Patrick’s School in New Jersey before coming to UConn, has been a three-year Husky. Last season, he averaged 17.7 points and 7.2 rebounds. In the NCAA tournament, he averaged 19.7 points and 9.8 rebounds, scoring 17 against San Diego State in the championship game.
At 6-foot-9, Sanogo was considered a bit smaller for a frontcourt player in the NBA. As a junior, he increased his value by adding the 3-point shot to his game, hitting 36.5 percent of his attempts.
Sanogo thanked UConn and fans in his letter Instagram account Thursday.
Thank you UConn. Thank you to the best fans in the country who have supported me since the first day I arrived at Storrs. Thank you for the amazing support and guidance from Coach Hurley and the staff. They have invested time and energy into making me a better player and person. Most importantly, thank you to my family, and the support system you He always allowed me to focus on achieving my dreams and sacrificed a lot for me.
“I am so excited for the next stop on my journey and proud to announce that I will be drafting for the 2023 NBA Draft and will remain focused on the process and give myself every opportunity I can to get my name heard. I will always cherish my time at UConn and it will always be my home away from home.”
Coach Dan Hurley has repeatedly described Sanogo as a possible NBA player, but he has not appeared in any of the major analyst mock drafts. With scouts and executives in the pre-draft process, and a couple with a winning pedigree, Sanogo can get a chance late in the two-round draft, or as a free agent.
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Sanogo could have chosen to return to UConn, or transfer, but given the NBA’s focus on age, it’s doubtful his stock would go up with another college season. If he doesn’t make the NBA roster, he can continue to develop in the G League or abroad.
“He’s come a long way,” said Hurley during the quarterfinals. “He’s a much younger player than my junior. He’s grown a lot, his knowledge of the game. But for a guy who’s only been playing basketball for six years, he’s a sponge. His work ethic is off the charts. He watches a lot of movies. He learned a lot of basketball concepts, Which is difficult for international players who don’t have the experience, especially those from Mali.”
Meanwhile, Sanogo’s departure would give Donovan Clingan, who returns as a sophomore next season, the opportunity to play full-time.
Anyway, Sanogo has had a consequent UConn career.
“He’s clearly established himself in the pantheon of the greatest,” Hurley said after the championship game. “Obviously the greatest player in all of the league’s first-team production and consecutive runs, and now that, for the national championship puts him in position in one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball. He’s great all the time.”