All eyes are currently locked on the top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft, Emoni Bates. Any day now, the 17-year-old will make his long-awaited decision on whether he will be enrolling in college or whether he will opt to turn professional.
Memphis, Michigan State and Oregon are among his college options. In addition, G League Ignite are attempting to persuade Bates to forgo his college eligibility and take his talents to the professional ranks. Currently, the basketball world awaits his decision.
The odds on favourite to land the young prodigy is the Penny Hardaway led Memphis Tigers. Of whom, Bates had an official visit with this week, along with Oregon. As he shared some Instagram posts rocking each team’s colors.
With so much riding on his next move, Bates seems at peace and is comfortable with the spotlight that has been pointed in his direction. “I’m honestly not sure what I’m going to do yet,” he coolly says, as the biggest decision of his life to date beckons.
Bate’s father, Elgin, is happy with the attention his son is getting and has trust in whatever move he wishes to make. The 6-foot-9 forward will not be considered draft eligible until the 2023 NBA Draft. This means that regardless of whether he goes to college or chooses the professional route, the talented youngster will have to commit for two years before officially declaring for the draft.
Although, the Bates family have made it known to any potential suitors that the consensus top pick will only be giving a one year commitment initially, to keep options open moving forward.
āWhatever decision he makes, itāll be a one-year plan and then heāll re-evaluate everything after the year,ā Elgin Bates told Stadium earlier this month. āIām still not sure what he wants to do. Thatās the mystery. At the age of 17, itās all a roller coaster.ā
Emoni Bates is considered by many to be a can’t miss prospect with star potential. His game is likened to that of Kevin Durant. This is due to his length and wide ranging offensive arsenal that leaves scouts drooling at what he is capable of at the next level.
Bates had initially committed to Michigan State back in April but decided to de-commit. Now, he is going through the process of deciding what lies ahead in his future. The highly-rated prospect shares a close relationship with recent Memphis signee Jalen Duren, another top recruit.
The two young prospects could form a formidable one-two punch for Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers should Bates opt to commit there. With Ignite, the 17-year-old would be afforded with the rare opportunity of playing alongside a handful of elite young talent. Leading the list of Ignite prospects are Jaden Hardy and Michael Foster.
Additionally, Bates would have the opportunity to evolve further in a professional environment, in the presence of a group of NBA veterans. Former USC associate Head Coach Jason Hart is now at the helm, who has a track record of developing NBA talent. Including Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Emoni Bates has spent time this summer training with NBA stars such as Carmelo Anthony and Donovan Mitchell. It won’t be long now until one of the major stars of high-school basketball makes his decision.
Throughout G League Ignite’s inaugural season, whilst full focus was on the elite prospects, eyes were also directed towards the veteran’s on the team. Ignite made several high-profile acquisitions to assist with the development of their young players.
Former NBA regulars Jarrett Jack and Amir Johnson joined the ranks. Alongside a strong supporting cast in Bobby Brown, Donta Hall, Reggie Hearn, Cody Demps, Brandon Ashley, and Jessie Govan.
Ashley, now with Fortitudo Bologna, led the veterans in scoring during the 2021 G League bubble, with 10.9 points per contest. He featured in all 15 games, as did Jack, Johnson, and Demps. Their presence was not only impactful on the court, but off it too.
“Really the parameters around that, is veterans that have experience, that understand what it takes to be professionals. That understand the emphasis of this team and help the young players, and are willing to share their experiences,” said G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
“To share a load of knowledge and take a little less playing time, still play and compete, but that they understand what we’re trying to accomplish with this team.”
(Image/Getty/Juan Ocampo/NBAE)
With many of the 2020-21 Ignite veterans signing elsewhere, new Head Coach Jason Hart will be on the hunt for fresh contributors. Alongside Brandon Ashley heading to Italy, Cody Demps has inked a deal with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel, and Jessie Govan now plays his trade in Puerto Rico with Indios de MayagĆ¼ez.
Donta Hall has chosen to sign overseas for the first time in his career, linking up with AS Monaco. While Amir Johnson has found playing time in the Big 3 league, and Jarrett Jack has joined Monty Williams’ Phoenix Suns coaching staff.
Jason Hart was in attendance in Las Vegas at the 2021 NBA Summer League, as was Rod Strickland and other G League staff members. They were valuating veteran options for the upcoming Ignite campaign.
However, Shareef Abdul-Rahim has revealed that no agreements have been made yet. With progress set to be made in the coming weeks, as the Summer League dust settles.
“Our vets, they want to go through their natural process of Summer League to see what opportunities are available for them. Things will kind of mature and become a little more clear for us in the coming weeks as we get through NBA Summer League,” stated Abdur-Rahim.
“We’ll go through that process, we have our eye on a few, we haven’t yet consummated any agreements yet. We’re working through it. More to come of this, what the total roster will look like. But we’re really excited about the young players we have this season.”
It appears that all will be revealed in the coming weeks, regarding incoming Team Ignite veterans. With the ambitious captures of Jarrett Jack and Amir Johnson in year one, many will expect another strong veteran cast set ahead of 2021-22.
G League Ignite were hot on the tail of highly-touted prospect Dariq Whitehead but missed out at the eleventh hour. Instead, Whitehead opted to link up with the Duke Blue Devils. He drew a wide range of interest, having official visits with Florida State and Kansas as well.
Standing at 6-foot-6, the young small forward is currently ranked No. 4 in the ESPN 100 for the 2022 class. Whitehead was expected to take the traditional college route, however there was late interest from Ignite.
Even though there was an offer on the table from the G League, it was submitted just a day before decision day, as revealed by Whitehead. The offer was reportedly worth $500,000, the maximum contract available for prospects choosing to join the program.
“I was grateful for their offer to be a max player in the G League. I was truly blessed for the G League offer,” said Whitehead. “They gave the offer the day before I was supposed to commit and I didn’t have much time to really think on it as much as I got to think about going to college.”
Whitehead is considered one of the more well-rounded prospects in his class, and has been developing his craft at the distinguished Montverde Academy. This summer, he represented Team Durant at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. Where he averaged 16.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per contest.
On Friday, G League Ignite held an introductory press conference for new Head Coach Jason Hart. Led by NBA G League President, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Ignite officially entered a new era as year two of the program edges ever closer.
The 43-year-old replaces Brian Shaw, who has returned to the NBA, joining the Los Angeles Clippers as an Assistant Coach. Hart has spent the last eight seasons at USC, where he was promoted to Associate Head Coach in the 2017-18 season.
“It’s been a dream of mine to become a Head Coach and with this opportunity to coach some of the next young NBA stars, it was a no brainer for me.” said Hart.
Being an integral piece to USC’s rise in recent years, the new Ignite Head Coach has assisted in the development of numerous NBA talents. Including Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, and Kevin Porter Jr.
Hart had a 10-year playing career between 2000 and 2010, where he made 341 NBA appearances. In those contests, he holds career averages of 4.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
(Image/John McGillen/USC Athletics)
Following the conclusion of his playing career, the Los Angeles native coached AAU basketball. In addition, he served as the Head Coach at Taft High School in Southern California. With further experience at Pepperdine University and USC, Hart has coached at every level of the game.
“Jason joins Ignite with extensive experience, on all levels. We’re excited, one, for what Jason brings to us in his character, in his reputation,” said Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “We think he is the perfect person to now build on the success we had in year one with the first group of Team Ignite, and now as we continue to move this initiative forward for the G League.”
Over the years, Hart has established many relationships, including with Abdur-Rahim. Of whom, opened up about his friendship with the new Ignite Head Coach stretching over a 20-year period. The appointment of the former USC Trojan certainly sounded like a speedy process.
“I enquired about the job and I was offered a chance to interview for the job. I think the process came kind of fast, but it was also one that I think I was ready for,” stated Hart. “I’m just happy to have got the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to growing as a coach and continuing to learn the game and to better myself as a coach.”
Hart revealed that he spent time with former Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw at NBA Summer League. Who urged him to “take each day one day at a time” and to “have fun” with the experience.
Under the tutelage of Shaw, Ignite held a 8-8 record in the 2021 G League bubble, achieving a playoff berth. Ignite’s inaugural season saw Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga be selected second and seventh, respectively, in the 2021 NBA Draft.
The second year of the program features two top-10 recruits in Jaden Hardy and Michael Foster Jr. As well as highly-ranked 17-year-old Scoot Henderson and Dyson Daniels, an Australian prospect who was been impressing in the NBA Global Academy.
Packed with another talented cast, Ignite will be looking to replicate the success of year one. Although, the new boss is setting his sights even higher.
āSince its inception, Ignite has gained worldwide attention, and I look forward to building on that momentum and taking the program to even greater heights,” declared Hart.
One thing that will remain, however, will be the high-level of publicity surrounding the G League Ignite set-up. As another set of elite prospects are set to begin their professional basketball journeys.
Featured Image Credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
To some, it came as a surprise to see 6-foot-5 point guard Daishen Nix fall undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft. His former G League Ignite teammates Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga landed 1st and 7th, respectively, with Isaiah Todd being the 31st pick. All eyes were then firmly set on Nix, but the selection never came.
Going undrafted isn’t the end of the road for these prospects, just look at the likes of Fred VanVleet and Alex Caruso. As expected, Nix was swiftly signed by the Philadelphia 76ers to feature in the NBA Summer League.
The 19-year-old featured in 15 games for Ignite in the 2021 G League bubble. In those contests, he posted averages of 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game.
Daishen Nix proved himself to be a versatile option, initiating the offense, and standing strong on both ends against professional opposition with his large frame. Since, the young guard has cut down his weight and took part in the NBA Draft Combine in impressive shape.
Whether he can land a roster spot on a 76ers team that aims to be championship contenders remains to be seen. But Nix will look to catch the eye of the many NBA onlookers at Summer League. If an opportunity fails to present itself in Philadelphia, it just might elsewhere.
Another former Ignite prospect set for Summer League action is Princepal Singh, who has linked up with the Sacramento Kings to feature in the California Classic. The Indian prospect saw limited minutes during his sole season in the G League, under Brian Shaw’s tutelage. In 4 games, he averaged 2.3 points and 1 rebound in 6.3 minutes per contest.
Singh is a popular international prospect, but fell relatively under the radar in the lead up to the 2021 NBA Draft. Like Kai Sotto, the general expectation was for the 6-foot-9 forward/center to continue his development overseas.
Princepal Singh will have the the chance to impress NBA scouts and front office staff, like Nix. Although, he will have to fight for minutes on a stacked Kings roster. One that features plenty of former NBA, G League, NCAA, and international standouts.
Featured Image Credit: Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Co led G League Ignite in their inaugural campaign. With Brian Shaw at the helm, the team went 8-7 in the 2021 G League bubble, losing in the quarterfinal to the Raptors 905. As expected, Ignite were quick to turn their focus to the 2021-22 season.
Five-star recruits Michael Foster and Jaden Hardy have inked deals with the development team. As has Chinese prospect, Fanbo Zeng, after decommiting from the Gonzaga Bulldogs to link up with Ignite. But attention has been drawn towards 17-year-old, Sterling “Scoot” Henderson.
Henderson has graduated from high-school a year early, and will forgo college, to join G League Ignite. He is the first high-school junior to commit to the program, and is the first Ignite player to not be NBA draft-eligible the next year. Instead, he will be eligible for the 2023 draft.
It is expected that the young point guard will spend two-years with the team, and has reportedly signed a deal in the range of $1 million. Kentucky, Auburn, and Georgia were among the high-profile schools that were believed to be recruiting Henderson heavily.
The possibility of heading overseas, following in the footsteps of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton, was strongly considered by Henderson and his family. But the enticement of G League Ignite’s offer was too much to turn down.
The landmark deal also sees the prospect reportedly become the youngest professional player in the history of American basketball.
(Image/Henderson Family)
āIām so excited the G League created this platform. It is truly the best fit for me. Since I was a kid, competing at the highest level in the world has been my main goal. Becoming the youngest professional American basketball player is just icing on the cake.ā
Scoot Henderson, G League Ignite
ESPN has Henderson ranked as their 7th prospect in the Class of 2022. Through the 2020-21 season, the impressive junior jumped up the recruiting rankings after leading Kell High School to the class 6A state title game. Through the campaign, he posted averages of 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Standing at 6-foot-3, the Ignite guard has been one of the most explosive athletes around the high-school circuit. He can beat his opponents off the dribble with ease and finish at the rim strong in a variety of ways, even in traffic. These are skills that many look for in an elite NBA point guard.
A shooting ability is there, but will most likely be the next stage of Henderson’s development. Being a consistent threat from the outside will really propel his game to the next level. Additionally, he can share the ball and act as a play-maker. Henderson’s strong frame and length creates potential on the defensive end too.
The upside is there, undoubtedly. However, a tough two years sits ahead for Scoot Henderson, who will face-off against fully grown professionals in the NBA G League. Players that will purposely target the highly-ranked prospect, to prove a point. Just like they did with Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga throughout 2020-21.
At present time, it is predicted that Henderson will be a top-10 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If he proves his worth in the G League Ignite camp, the potential to sneak towards the top-5 could very well be a possibility.
Week 3 of the G League bubble in Disney World, Orlando has come to an end. It was another up-and-down week for G League Ignite, in many ways.
Wins, losses, and the exit of a few members of the team, Ignite finished the week 2-2. They moved onto a 7-4 record, which has them firmly in the playoff hunt.
Vs Long Island Nets, 109-97 (L):
A double-double from Donta Hall and 21 points from Jalen Green couldnāt combat a 23-turnover game, as the team fell to the Long Island Nets, 109-97.
Green notched his fourth 20-point outing of the season. Hall turned in his third double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. But the Nets scored 28 points off 23 Ignite turnovers for their third win of the season.
Brandon Ashley scored 16 points, just one point shy of his season-high, and Jonathan Kuminga added 10. As a team, Ignite shot 43.8%, with a season-low 35 field goals (35-80).
Jeremiah Martin (24 points) and Reggie Perry (21 points) led Long Island. BJ Johnson added 19, among five Nets players to notch double figures.
The Nets used a 24-20 first quarter to edge Ignite with 7 points apiece from Johnson and Perry. Isaiah Todd, who entered Mondayās match-up averaging 18.5 points in his last two appearances, was off to a hot start with 6 points of his own. This was despite Ignite shooting 33.3% (7-21) to open the game.
Green scored 9 points and Ignite shot 66.7 percent (10-15) in the fourth quarter. Ignite’s comeback attempt fell short as Long Island scored 11 points off Ignite’s eight fourth-quarter turnovers, outscoring the team 31-28.
Vs Memphis Hustle, 104-101 (W):
Down 11 points at halftime, G League Ignite rallied back for comeback win against the Memphis Hustle. The team relied on veteran play and a stalwart defense down the stretch to hold off Memphis, 104-101.
Jarrett Jack scored 13 of his game-high 22 points in the second half. The NBA veteran iced the game with a pair of crucial free throws with 3 seconds remaining. He was one of 7 Ignite players to finish in double figures. Jonathan Kuminga (17), Brandon Ashley (11), Daishen Nix (11), Isaiah Todd (10), Bobby Brown (10), and Jalen Green (10), being the others.
Neither team led by more than five points in the final stretch, and Terry’s driving layup with 35 seconds remaining made it a one-point game in Ignite’s favor, 102-101.
With 12.2 seconds remaining, Ignite was awarded with an out-of-bounds ball, Memphis issued a coachās challenge and the call was overturned. Igniteās defense held strong, forcing Memphis to foul, sending Jack to the line to put Ignite up 104-101 with 3.3 seconds on the clock.
Vs Salt Lake City Stars, 107-87 (L):
Jalen Green notched a career-high 24 points but G League Ignite fell to the Salt Lake City Stars, 107-87, in this one. Ignite shot a season-low 39.7% (29-73) and gave up 42 second-quarter points to the Stars, the most by any opponent this season.
In his first start for Ignite, Govan recorded 13 points, a first-half game-high, with three rebounds. It wasnāt enough to help Ignite withstand nine 3-pointers from the Stars, however. Salt Lake City shot 47.4% (9-19) from downtown and 55.3 percent (26-47) overall in the first half.
The Stars led by as many as 20 points, outscoring Ignite 42-27 in the second, to lead 65-47 at halftime. Ignite held Salt Lake City to 16 points in the third quarter, tied for the fewest by an opponent this year, to trim the lead to 81-68 entering the final 12 minutes.
The team connected on just 5 of 15 field goal attempts in the fourth quarter to confirm defeat. Green scored 14 of Ignite’s 40 second-half points.
Vs Canton Charge, 113-112 (L):
Isaiah Todd drained a buzzer-beater to hold off the Canton Charge, 113-112 in the final game of the week. Down 112-111 with 4.9 seconds remaining after a pull-up jumper by Cantonās Brodric Thomas, Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw called a timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, Todd set up for a turnaround bank shot that lifted his team to its 7th victory of the season. Ignite improved to 7-4, firmly in the driving seat for a playoff birth.
Todd finished with 17 points and matched his career-high 7 rebounds. Plus a career-high 3 blocks and two assists. After pouring in a career-high 24 points against Salt Lake City on Friday, Jalen Green upped his best to 26 points.
In another efficient performance, Green shot 9-14, including a 6-8 clip from 3-point range. Jonathan Kuminga notched his 3rd double-double of the season, with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
Jack finished with 16 points and Johnson added 11, as Ignite shot 53%(44-83) on the game with a season-high 13 shots made from downtown. Devon Dotson and Sheldon Mac led Canton with 21 points apiece.
Ignite churned out 40 points in the second, the most in a single quarter all season, helped by 9 points from Johnson, 8 from Jack, and 7 from Kuminga. Daishen Nix dished out 7 assists across the 12-minute stretch, and Ignite’s defense allowed Canton just two 3-pointers.
The Charge’s fourth-quarter comeback effort saw them level the contest, 109-109, with 2:50 to go, helped by an 11-0 run. Mac scored 9 of Canton’s 11 points in that span. But G League Ignite snatched victory, thanks for Isaiah Todd’s buzzer-beater heroics.
Week 3 in Summary:
Once again another up and down week for G League Ignite, as they finish the week 2-2. The consistent effort issues that plagued the Ignite team last week have continued on. This is to be expected from such young players. The level of play is new to them and the adjustment period right now will serve them incredibly well in the future.
This team as a whole is ironing out the weaknesses on the fly and they are consistently improving as a unit. Head Coach Brian Shaw continues to put his team in the best position to be successful. With Donta Hall receiving a call up to the NBA, and Kai Sotto no longer a part of the team, the young players will have to continue to battle against adversity. Which once again will prepare them for the next level.
A serious amount of credit needs to be given to Coach Shaw and the Ignite set up for putting these young players in the best position to fully understand what will be expected of them at the NBA level.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
Coming off the back of their first week in the bubble, G League Ignite sat at a perfect 3-0. Through week one, Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green lead the way. Whilst continuing to show the world that they are two of the best players in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft.
So what did week two have in store for Ignite?
Vs Iowa Wolves, 97-90 (W):
Jalen Green poured in a career-high 22 points to extend G League Igniteās win streak to four after topping the Iowa Wolves, 97-90. Greenās balanced stat-line also included new career highs in assists (5) and rebounds (6). It was also his third consecutive 20-point outing.
Donta Hall tallied his first double-double of the season, with 12 points and 16 rebounds. Along with 3 assists and 4 blocks. Fellow veterans Jessie Govan (10 points) and Jarrett Jack (12 points) also reached double figures.
Iowaās Tyler Cook led all scorers with 24 points. Allonzo Trier added 17 points for the Wolves, who shot 41.2% (35-85) and forced 19 Ignite turnovers.
Neither team held the edge in the first half. Both shooting near the 40% mark and connecting on 17 field goals Ignite headed to halftime with a 4-point lead, 47-43, thanks to a perfect 5-5 performance at the free-throw line.
Green, who scored only 3 of his 21 points in the first half in the game prior, led all scorers with 13 points. Govan had 10 points off the bench. Although Green added another 8 points to his total in the third quarter, the Wolves outscored Ignite 31-20 to pull ahead, 74-67.
Iowa continued its charge, jumping out to an 11-point lead, 78-67, at 10:51 in the fourth quarter. But after Jack brought Ignite back within two points, 85-83 at 5:12, the rookies went to work, scoring 10 of Igniteās final 14 points. This was led by Daishen Nixās 5 points. Ignite outscored Iowa 30-16 in the final 12 minutes to claim victory.
Vs Erie BayHawks, 127-87 (L):
A wake-up call awaited the G League Ignite team, as they came up against the explosive Erie Bayhawks. After flying high to this point, Ignite got a punch in the mouth and respectfully, they were never in the game.
Jonathan Kuminga and Daishen Nix tallied their first career double-doubles in the loss. Kuminga scored 21 points and added a career-best 10 boards, with Nix putting up 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds off the bench.
Jalen Green also finished with 13 points, alongside 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. While fellow rookie Princepal Singh made his debut by pulling down 2 rebounds.
Naji Marshall led the Bayhawks with 21 points as one of six Erie players to score in double figures. The G Leagueās top offensive team shot 53.8 percent from the floor and scored 36 points off Igniteās 20 turnovers.
The BayHawks jumped out to a 21-point lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on 5 turnovers and connecting on 5 treys, while Ignite shot 0-7 from 3-point range. Erie led 35-16 after the first 12 minutes and continued their charge for the remainder of the half. They racked up 11 steals and shot 51.9% (28-54) to lead by as many as 30 points, for a 66-37 halftime score.
Kuminga, who had 15 points and 6 rebounds by halftime, was the lone Ignite player to connect on a 3-pointer. Meanwhile, 3 Erie players had reached double figures, paced by 13 points apiece from Marshall and Caleb Homesley. Plus 10 points and 8 rebounds from Jordan Bell.
The Bayhawks stretched their lead to 96-60 after the third and saw out the game with a dominant 127-87 victory. A humbling experience for the young Ignite team.
G League Ignite looked to rebound in its second game of a back-to-back. Their next opponent would be the Westchester Knicks.
Vs Westchester Knicks, 121-113 (L):
Ignite matched its season-best scoring total, set a season-high in assists and a season-low turnover totals, but the team effort wasnāt enough in this one. With the Knicks outscoring Ignite 11-3 in overtime to win 121-113.
Ignite showed improvement with a season-low 13 turnovers and season-high 27 assists, and every player who entered the game scored at least 5 points. Donta Hall scored 12 points in the second half to lead Ignite with 19 points, adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Isaiah Todd matched his career-high with 14 points and 7 rebounds. With Jalen Green (15 points), Amir Johnson (11), and Jonathan Kuminga (11) also scoring in double figures. Green added a career-best 6 assists. while Jarrett Jack dished out a season-high 9 assists.
Ignas Brazdeikis, who entered the matchup averaging 24 points per game, poured in 21 points. Six Knicks players scored 15 points or more. Louis King scored 9 of his 18 points in overtime, going 3-3 from beyond the arc, to seal the victory.
Igniteās effort saw 8 players score before the end of the first quarter. With Bobby Brown, Johnson, and Todd each notched a team-best 6 points apiece. The teamās 37-33 lead matched its most points in a quarter this season.
By halftime Ignite also matched its highest point total for a single half, leading the Knicks 66-59. Green, who was scoreless in the first quarter, churned out 12 points in the second. Kuminga also reached double figures with 10 points. After averaging 21.6 turnovers per game through the first five games, Ignite chalked up only seven in the first half.
Despite a flurry of small runs by Ignite in the third quarter, the Knicks outscored their opponents 28-22 and contained Green to pull within a single point, 88-87. Westchester made up the difference in the fourth quarter, 23-22, to send the game into overtime, 110-110.
King hit 3 consecutive from beyond the arc to put the game away in 2 additional minutes, 121-113. After 6 games in 9 days, Ignite enjoyed their longest break of the regular season with 2 full days of rest. This was before taking on the Greensboro Swarm on Sunday.
Vs Greensboro Swarm, 122-109 (W):
Following back-to-back losses against the Erie BayHawks and Westchester Knicks, G League Ignite got back on track thanks to a 23-point effort from Isaiah Todd. The team surged past the Swarm, 122-109, to improve to 5-2.
Todd, who turned in a career-high 14-point performance in his last outing against the Knicks, poured in 23 points and 3 rebounds in this one. Amir Johnson tallied a season-high 18 points and also added 3 rebounds and a block. While Daishen Nix dished out a career-best 13 assists and pulled down 7 rebounds.
The trio helped Ignite to season-best totals in assists (34), field goals (49), and field goal shooting (52.7%). A trio of Swarm standouts finished with double-doubles, however. Kobi Simmons had a game-high 27 points and 10 assists, Nick Richards had 26 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Vernon Carey Jr. dropped in 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Ignite dug itself into a deficit late in the first quarter, but outscored the Swarm 6-2 in the final two minutes to make it a two-point game, 35-33. Todd had 6 points and quickly reached double figures early in the second quarter, including a standout dunk and 3-pointer.
By halftime, Todd was one of two Ignite players with 11 points, tied with Jonathan Kuminga, as the team shot 56.5% to lead 63-60. Ignite then used a 26-18 third quarter, which included 11 points by Johnson, to pull away and the Swarm couldnāt recover.
Todd finished strong with 12 second-half points and Nix dished out 10 of his 13 assists in the half. Kuminga finished with 18 points and 2 assists, and Green extended his double figure scoring streak to 7 games.
Green tallied 17 points to go along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Veterans Brandon Ashley (11 points) and Jessie Govan (12) also finished in double figures.
Weekly Summary:
It was an up-and-down week for G League Ignite. They dealt with adversity losing back-to-back games, and returned to finish the week strong.
While Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Green have been the undeniable stars for Ignite so far, we’re seeing the emergence of Daishen Nix and Isaiah Todd. Both are players that will make some serious noise at the NBA level.
Nix and Todd are making plays that will help them being considered lottery talents. With a strong upcoming couple of weeks, they could solidify their place as elite NBA prospects.
With G League Ignite showing marked improvement in terms of turnovers and assists this week, it will be interesting to see if they can continue to step it up in other areas. All eyes are if they can continue to make noise in the G League bubble in Disney World, Orlando.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
Filipino prospect Kai Sotto will not re-join G League Ignite, the team announced today. Sotto left Ignite in January to link up with the Philippines National Team at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying Tournament in Qatar.
The 7-foot-2 center had permission from Ignite to leave camp, however the tournament was rescheduled. He then found himself in a bit of a predicament. The bubble was already underway and according to Philstar.comās Alder Almo, Sotto needed to produce six negative tests before rejoining Ignite.
āIf/when Kai is interested in rejoining the team, we will begin working through any necessary COVID-19 protocols to get him back with Ignite,ā Almo’s source added.
Sottoās agent Aaron Goodwin also mentioned that he was unsure of the Filipinoās current status. With the G League reaching the half-way point, uncertainty was beginning to mount on whether Sotto would return to Ignite at all.
On February 22, Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw responded to a question regarding Sottoās situation, āIām only concerned with the guyās we have here.”
āWhen I hear otherwise, from those above me, then weāll cross that bridge when we get to it,ā Shaw said. āBut right now, we have 12-13 guys on our roster. Iām just coaching the guys I have here.ā
The very next day, on February 23, G League Ignite announced that both parties had come to a “mutual decision” for Kai Sotto to not re-join the team.
āKai and the team both understood the challenges for him to rejoin Ignite given the current international travel constraints, quarantine times and health and safety protocols,ā said G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
āKai will always be part of the extended Ignite family and we wish him continued success as he pursues his NBA dreams.ā
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Prior to the 2021 NBA G League bubble, Ignite star Kai Sotto opted to travel to the Philippines to report for international duty. Sotto was set to represent Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers, however the games were rescheduled.
The 18-year-old traveled to the Philippines with all intentions to play, but has now found himself in a bit of a predicament. He has already missed half of the G League bubble and his return to the team is unknown.
March 6 marks the end of the regular season, with the playoffs running until March 11. The window for entry into the bubble is slim. According to Philstar.com‘s Alder Almo, Sotto needs to produce six negative tests before rejoining Ignite. With a source stating, “each situation is evaluated individually to take into account exact circumstances.”
(Image/FIBA)
Will Kai Sotto Return to Ignite?
“If/when Kai is interested in rejoining the team, we will begin working through any necessary COVID-19 protocols to get him back with Ignite,” the source said, as reported by Almo.
In a media availability on February 22, Ignite Head Coach Brian Shaw responded to a question regarding Sotto’s situation, “I’m only concerned with the guy’s we have here.”
“When I hear otherwise, from those above me, then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Shaw said. “But right now, we have 12-13 guys on our roster. I’m just coaching the guys I have here.”
Sotto’s agent Aaron Goodwin has mentioned that he’s unsure of the Filipino’s current status. Reports have suggested that the 7-foot-1 center’s earliest bubble arrival date could have been February 23. This was if he had communicated with Ignite as soon as possible. That date is flying by, meaning his G League debut will be pushed back, if it even happens at all.
Homer D. Sayson of Spin.ph reported that Sotto’s one-year deal with Ignite, valued at circa $250,000, is fully guaranteed. Sayson adds that the Filipino prospect has been receiving twice-a-month payments of at least $17,857 since August, and will continue to do so.
It’s a bizarre situation that surrounds Kai Sotto at present time, with numerous parties being unsure of his current status. But one thing’s for sure. As time continues to tick, the chances of Sotto featuring in the G League bubble decreases significantly.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.
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