By ADAM ZAGORIA
Mike Foster, the 6-foot-10 Class of 2021 power forward from Hillcrest Prep (AZ), has drawn interest from the Australian NBL, according to his mentor, Chianti Clay.
“Australia just offered an exclusive 2-year deal,” Clay said Saturday.
Foster, ranked No. 7 in the 2021 ESPN 60, is considering the option along with others, Clay said.
“It it one of his options along with college and other professional options,” Clay said.
A spokesman for the NBL said by email: “We’d love to see him in the NBL and we’ve had conversations but they’re at an early stage and no offers have been made or even discussed.”
The Australian NBL this past season featured Americans LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton, both of whom are projected lottery picks in the Oct. 16 NBA Draft. Since then, the NBA G League has been constructing a “Select Team” of mostly American prep stars to avoid the drain of American talent, signing Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd and Daishen Nix, as well as Filipino big man Kai Sotto, at six-figure salaries. Foster considered reclassifying to 2020 and heading to college then but would still have to wait until 2022 for the NBA Draft when he turns 19. He plans to remain in the Class of 2021. “The thing that’s holding up the reclass with Mike is he would have to stay in school two years,” Clay said previously. Meantime, UCLA, Michigan, Illinois, Arkansas, Baylor, Georgia, Florida State are among those who have been in touch via Zoom and other calls. Foster is currently working out in Milwaukee. This post has been updated to add the NBL’s comment. Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on Facebook5-Star PF Mike Foster Summer Highlights With Mac Irvin Fire! @TheMacIrvinFire
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