The Kansas basketball program has sent considerable talent to the NBA over the years. Some of the greats used to play for the Jayhawks, and the school even produced the league’s MVP award winner two seasons ago.
KU fans who like to watch professional basketball usually keep up with the whereabouts of former players, and many exist throughout the NBA. The NBA preseason tipped off yesterday, and three Jayhawks represented the college on team rosters.
The first contest of the preseason took place between the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics and the 2023 title-winning Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi. Of course, fan-favorite Jayhawk Christian Braun has played a significant role on his squad over the past two seasons and should continue to do so in Year 3.
Denver did not come out on top, but Braun did make an impact on the game, albeit in limited playing time. He joined the starting five and played 13 minutes, scoring five points, grabbing five rebounds, assisting three baskets, and recording one block and one steal. He shot 2-for-4 from the field and missed his only 3-point attempt.
A surprise KU player and former transfer could be found on the Celtics side. While he did not dress for the game, Tristan Enaruna signed an Exhibit 10 deal and could appear in the preseason. He transferred to Iowa State and Cleveland State after playing sparingly during two years in Lawrence from 2019-2021.
Finally, Svi Mykhailiuk was a DNP for the Utah Jazz in a win vs. the Breakers of New Zealand. The sharpshooting wing won an NBA Finals ring with the Celtics in June and signed a contract with the Jazz in the offseason.
On Saturday, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers face off in the sole preseason matchup of the day. Ex-Kansas star Andrew Wiggins is on the Warriors but will not play due to an illness.
