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When you're asked at a young age what you want to be when you grow up, many children who have an interest in sports will answer with a similar statement along the lines of playing at the professional level. For many athletes, those dreams begin to shift as they develop in their sport and identify new interests or goals. But, for about 1.2%, those dreams will become reality. That's the percentage of NCAA men's basketball athletes who have gone on to compete at a major pro level, according to the NCAA, An even smaller number of athletes proceed to the league directly from the high school realm; about three out of 10,000, or .03%.
In the 2020 NBA Draft, Kenyon Martin Jr. and Josh Green, IMG Academy basketball alumni, defied those odds and heard their names called in one of the most prestigious occasions of the year.
Green was selected 18th overall in the first round by the Dallas Mavericks. After competing at IMG for two years and then joining Arizona's roster for his freshman season before declaring for the Draft, Green showcased immense potential from the moment he joined the Ascenders. At 6'6", this shooting guard originally from Australia claimed countless accolades during his time in Bradenton. Competing in the 2019 National Championship, the 2018-2019 McDonald's All-American game, the 2018 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, and two Nike Hoop Summits in 2018 and 2019, Green proved his worth from the onset.
Josh set the tone for what it means to be a good player, student, brother, and son. His two year stint was capped off by a National Championship, and he is one of the players in our program that we refer to when talking to incoming student-athletes about what it means to really put in the work to be the best version of yourself. His work ethic propelled him to being a top-10 player in the country, a McDonald’s All-American, and a national champion. We look forward to watching him realize his dreams of putting on an NBA uniform and representing his family at home as well as his IMG family."
- Sean McAloon, IMG Academy National Boys Basketball Coach
Another impactful IMG basketball student-athlete, Kenyon Martin Jr., or KJ, chose to join the post-graduate program at IMG Academy as opposed to pursuing his original commitment to Vanderbilt. The 6'7" small forward led IMG to a 29-3 record during the 2019-2020 season. Following in the footsteps of his father, Kenyon, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft and former Nets, Nuggest, Clippers, Knicks, and Bucks player, KJ will seek to pave his own path in the league. KJ was selected in the 2nd round with the 52nd pick by the Sacramento Kings but plans to pursue his professional career with the Houston Rockets.
KJ was a great player on our post-graduate national team. He led us to the No. 2 seed in the national tournament and is the most explosive athlete I have ever coached. He was locked in every day on improving his skills and had a great year shooting the basketball as well as making plays for his teammates. KJ is what IMG is all about; his development over the year was incredible. We are excited to watch him continue to excel. He has a bright future and is just scratching the surface of how good he will eventually be."
- Chad Myers, IMG Academy Basketball Post-Graduate Head Coach
There's something so unique about training within a program that sees annual Draft selections as well as hundreds of NCAA commitments. Whether it's earning the opportunity to wear a jersey and uniform representing IMG or developing alongside other student-athletes who share your same goals and passions, this atmosphere simply ignites an energy that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
The camaraderie and passion within the entire campus is contagious and continues to propel some of the world's most dedicated athletes to achieve their ultimate dreams. For the basketball program, this time of year especially is always cherished. With the commencement of the high school season aligning with the NBA Draft, these moments remind us each year that dreams truly are attainable and that the extra time and hard work put in on the court are always worthwhile in the end.
The NBA Draft is always an exciting time of the year for our basketball family at IMG Academy. We've had numerous alumni drafted in the last 10 years, and I am also very proud of our graduates who are currently in college and encouraged by the amount of talented players currently in our program.”
-Brian Nash, IMG Academy Basketball Director
