Shaka Smart has a newfound appreciation for Markelle Fultz after coaching him on the U.S. U18 team that won a gold medal last month at the FIBA Americas Championship in Chile.
On July 23, the 6-foot-5 Fultz went for a team-high 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting to go along with five assists and five rebounds as the U.S. got a 99-84 win over Canada in the U18 final in Valdivia, Chile.
“I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be in the running to be the No. 1 pick next year,” the Texas head coach said Wednesday on The 4 Quarters Podcast.
“He can do everything. He’s got great size for a guard. He’s a terrific athlete. He’s got a great body that’s only getting better and better. And he’s a humble kid who wants to work, wants to be part of a team, doesn’t mind getting coached and being held accountable. So when you add all those things up, he’s a dream. I’m happy for [Washington coach] Lorenzo [Romar] that he’s going to get to coach him.”
DraftExpress.com recently installed Fultz as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. N.C. State guard Dennis Smith is No. 2, Duke forwards Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum sit at 3 and 4, and incoming Kansas wing Josh Jackson is No. 5.
“Early mocks are nothing but great discussion points,” a second NBA scout said. “[Fultz] was a great high school player and MVP of the Under 18 championship tourney. The PAC-12 and the college season await. He is way up on most NBA boards but there is a long way to go till Draft night next June.”
Regardless of whether Fultz goes No. 1 or not, Smart believes he has a bright future ahead in USA Basketball, possibly in the 2020 or 2024 Olympics.
“I tell you one that I think will for sure,” Smart said, “and that’s Markelle Fultz.”
