Maryland basketball’s Kevin Huerter became a first-round pick last night, as the Atlanta Hawks zeroed in on the 6’7 sophomore wing. It’s been a whirlwind spring for Huerter, who wasn’t even expected to remain in the draft until last month but saw his stock rise too high not to go pro.
Huerter was invited to spend Thursday night in the green room at the draft, but decided to stay home and watch with friends and family in Clifton Park, New York. His Maryland coaches and teammates were part of the crowd that celebrated when Huerter’s name was called.
There it is.
— Michael Kelly (@ByMichaelKelly) June 22, 2018
Atlanta Hawks, No. 19
Kevin Huerter pic.twitter.com/Xr7JFjPWhF
That first round feeling...#NBADraft || #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/tNF8oO8i7L
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) June 22, 2018
That’s Andrew Terrell with the animated celebration, and fellow Terps Bruno Fernando, Travis Valmon and Reese Mona are in clear view in the first video. Former assistant coach Dustin Clark, who was Huerter’s lead recruiter, was right behind the new draftee. Mark Turgeon was also on hand to see his highest pick in five years.
The Hawks are getting a great player, person and an even better TEAMMATE.
— Mark Turgeon (@CoachTurgeon) June 22, 2018
I’m so excited for this next step in Kevin’s life and can’t wait to follow his career. Great to spend this night in Albany with Kevin & his family. pic.twitter.com/GcgVGQmoF8
(If you’re wondering why the “teammate” was capitalized, well ....... someone said something dumb in a mock draft and the entire Maryland team took exception.)
“It was great. I wanted to share this moment with the closest people around me, and that’s both at home and at Maryland,” Huerter said on a conference call with reporters after his selection. “I didn’t have to convince anyone to come here, they all texted saying, ‘Hey, I’ll see you Thursday.’ So I’m glad they made, it with the type of people that Coach Turgeon and Coach Clark and the five guys that came to see me are. I’m glad Coach Turgeon has been there every step of the way.”
In other news
Just under two hours after Huerter was picked, Justin Jackson’s name came off the board, as he was picked by the Denver Nuggets but traded to the Orlando Magic for the player taken two spots ahead of him.
This is a great opportunity for Justin, and I know this is a dream come true for him!
— Mark Turgeon (@CoachTurgeon) June 22, 2018
He had to deal with a season-ending injury this year, and now that he is beginning to get healthy, he has a chance to showcase his talents. https://t.co/9Xz5WM1UeL
In non-draft news, Maryland football defensive lineman Brandon Gaddy can do a freaking backflip.
His teammate, running back Jake Funk, is looking to maintain a vital role in his junior season.
Former Terps goalie and current U.S. National Team member Zack Steffen talked his recent successes and time at Maryland on Glenn Clark Radio.