Latest news with #BrooksBarnhizer
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Thunder injuries: Will Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer play Summer League?
Fresh off an NBA championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder will experience some serious whiplash. Less than a month separates the 2025 NBA Finals and the start of the 2025 Summer League. Let's say the consequences of both environments are opposites. All intrigue revolves around the Thunder's injury statuses. They drafted Thomas Sorber with the No. 12 pick and Brooks Barnhizer with the No. 44 pick. Both suffered season-ending foot injuries in their final college seasons. Sorber had surgery in February, while Barnhizer was ruled out in the same month. Nikola Topic is also another name to watch. The 19-year-old missed his first season after he suffered a partially torn ACL in May 2024. That dropped his draft status to the 2024 NBA draft No. 12 pick, which the Thunder cashed in on to take him. After being out for over a year, most assume Topic will play at least some of the Thunder's Summer League. He attended Sorber's and Barnhizer's introductory press conference. Here's an injury update on all three players: Nikola Topic Mark Daigneault declined to comment on Topic's status. Instead, Thunder PR said they will release the Summer League roster at a later date. That should tell us whether or not the 19-year-old will finally make his OKC debut. Thomas Sorber Sorber said the Thunder will take his injury day-to-day. He also kept his status close to the vest. The 19-year-old suffered turf toe that caused him to undergo surgery. Brooks Barnhizer This was the only confirmation. Barnhizer had a foot injury that ended his collegiate season in February. He said he's good to go and will play in Summer League. He knocked off any rust in his 16 predraft workouts. He also mentioned that the Thunder were his first workout and that stuck with him throughout the other 15.
Al Arabiya
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Draft Picks Sorber and Barnhizer Embrace Thunder Culture
Oklahoma City draft picks Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer sounded like Thunder veterans during their introductory press conference on Saturday. Sorber mentioned several times that he looks forward to learning from his new teammates, and Barnhizer talked about stacking days. Both are hallmarks of the messaging that comes from general manager Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault. Presti brought up how the players match the franchise's mentality. 'Both were selected within a week of Oklahoma City winning the NBA title. They both represent the type of things that we're constantly striving to add to the organization,' Presti said. 'One, they bring positive energy to the environments that they're in. They're defensive-minded players. They're physical players, and they have team orientation. And because of that, that's why they're sitting here today.' Thunder culture also includes barking and postgame shenanigans during interviews. The draftees like how the Thunder–the youngest team since 1977 to win a championship–let loose and have fun while keeping success at the forefront. 'I mean, there's just no better fit for guys like me and Thomas to come in and try to add whatever we can, stack days day by day and try to join that kind of just immerse ourselves in that environment,' Barnhizer said. 'And we can't wait for that.' Sorber, 19, was the 15th overall pick in the first round on Wednesday. The 6-foot-9, 263-pound forward/center averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game as a freshman at Georgetown before a toe injury cut his season short. 'He's got a ways to go in some areas, but he's pretty holistic in terms of his ability to catch, finish, pass, defend,' Daigneault said. Barnhizer, 23, was a second-round pick who went 44th overall. The 6-6, 230-pound forward averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season. He played all four years of his career at Northwestern, though a foot injury shortened his final season. Presti might have found yet another diamond in the rough. He said he stumbled upon Barnhizer by accident at a game he attended to scout a different player. 'I had no idea who he was, honestly,' Presti said. 'And then within the game I found myself watching him more than the person I was supposed to be there watching, and we kind of put his name down and made sure that we kept tabs on him from that point on. And I'm very fortunate to have him in the program.'
Associated Press
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Draft picks Sorber and Barnhizer embrace Thunder culture
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City draft picks Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer sounded like Thunder veterans during their introductory press conference on Saturday. Sorber mentioned several times that he looks forward to learning from his new teammates and Barnhizer talked about stacking days. Both are hallmarks of the messaging that comes from general manager Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault. Presti brought up how the players match the franchise's mentality. Both were selected within a week of Oklahoma City winning the NBA title. 'They both represent the type of things that we're constantly striving to add to the organization,' Presti said. 'One, they bring positive energy to the environments that they're in. They're defensive minded players. They're physical players, and they have team orientation. And because of that. That's why they're sitting here today.' Thunder culture also includes barking and postgame shenanigans during interviews. The draftees like how the Thunder — the youngest team since 1977 to win a championship — let loose and have fun while keeping success at the forefront. 'I mean, there's just no better fit for guys like me and Thomas to come in and try to add whatever we can, stack days day by day and try to join that, kind of just immerse ourselves in that environment,' Barnhizer said. 'And we can't wait for that.' Sorber, 19, was the 15th overall pick in the first round on Wednesday. The 6-foot-9, 263-pound forward/center averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game as a freshman at Georgetown before a toe injury cut his season short. 'He's got a ways to go in some areas, but he's pretty holistic in terms of his ability to catch, finish pass, defend,' Daigneault said. Barnhizer, 23, was a second-round pick who went 44th overall. The 6-6, 230-pound forward averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game last season. He played all four years of his career at Northwestern, though a foot injury shortened his final season. Presti might have found yet another diamond in the rough. He said he stumbled upon Barnhizer by accident at a game he attended to scout a different player. 'I had no idea who he was, honestly,' Presti said. 'And then within the game, I found myself watching him more than the person I was supposed to be there watching, and we kind of put his name down and made sure that we kept tabs on him from that point on. And. I'm very fortunate to have him in the program.' ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
OKC Thunder selects Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
The NBA champion OKC Thunder selected Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer with the 44th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season as a senior. Barnhizer shot 41.4% from the field and 26.6% from deep. Advertisement OKC also selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick on Wednesday. Both rookies will now join a team that just won its first championship in franchise history. Here are five things to know about Barnhizer: Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: 2025 NBA Draft Round 2 live updates: Time, where to watch, draft order, OKC Thunder picks Barnhizer was raised by athletes Barnhizer was born in South Bend, Indiana, and he was raised by athletes. His father, Mark, played basketball at Purdue and Auburn. His mother, Heidi, also played softball at Auburn. More: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer committed to Northwestern as a three-star prospect Barnhizer averaged 32.7 points per game as a senior at Jefferson High in Lafayette, Indiana. That marked the highest average of any player in the state. Advertisement Barnhizer also averaged 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 3.8 steals and 2.6 blocks. He was rated by 247Sports as a three-star prospect and the fifth-best player in his state for the Class of 2021. More: New Orleans Pelicans select Jeremiah Fears No. 7 overall in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer spent his entire college career at Northwestern Barnhizer gradually became a go-to player for Northwestern throughout the years. After appearing in 11 games as a freshman in 2021, he played in all 34 games as a sophomore. Barnhizer then earned an All-Big Ten third team selection and a Big Ten All-Defensive team selection as a junior with averages of 14.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 steals. Advertisement Barnhizer was poised for a strong senior season. But he only played in 17 games before he was sidelined in February with a broken foot. More: OKC Thunder selects Georgetown center Thomas Sorber 15th overall in 2025 NBA Draft EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 29: Brooks Barnhizer #13 of the Northwestern Wildcats dribbles up the court against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by) Barnhizer is a standout defender Barnhizer is a standout defender who averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks last season as a senior before he got injured. He plays with a strong motor and is able to get into passing lanes. He should fit right in on that end of the floor with the Thunder, which posted a league-best defensive rating of 105.7 during the regular season. Barnhizer's shooting is still a work in progress. If he can develop that part of his game, he could become a serviceable 3-and-D player at the next level. Advertisement More: OKC Thunder trading No. 24 pick Nique Clifford to Sacramento Kings in 2025 NBA Draft Barnhizer will likely compete for one of Thunder's three two-way spots OKC is one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and roster spots are limited as a result. Barnhizer will likely have to compete for one of the Thunder's three two-way contracts. Those spots were held last season by Branden Carlson, Adam Flagler and Alex Ducas. More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Draft picks, contracts after winning NBA title Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder selects Brooks Barnhizer 44th overall in 2025 NBA Draft
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for Thomas Sorber selection, Kings trade in 2025 NBA Draft
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Oklahoma City Thunder selected two players in the 2025 NBA Draft. OKC first selected Georgetown's Thomas Sorber with the 15th overall pick. He's a 6-foot-10 forward/center who averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and two blocks last season as a freshman. Advertisement OKC then selected Northwestern's Brooks Barnhizer with the 44th pick. He's a 6-6 guard who averaged 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season as a senior. The two rookies will now join an OKC team that just won its first NBA championship in franchise history. Here's a breakdown of OKC's draftees and initial grades for the selections. Pre-order our new book on Thunder's run to NBA title More: 2025 NBA Draft tracker: Live updates on Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey and all first-round picks First round, No. 15 overall | Thomas Sorber, F/C, Georgetown Sorber should fit right in with the Thunder. Advertisement OKC posted a league-best defensive rating of 105.7 during the regular season. It boasts plenty of elite defenders such as Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso. Now, it adds another standout disrupter in Sorber. Sorber has great length, which he uses to swat shots and intercept passes. The 6-10 big man averaged two blocks and 1.5 steals last season as a freshman. Sorber is also able to finish around the rim. He can use his strength or his soft touch to score, and his high IQ allows him to make some impressive passes at his size. Sorber has room for improvement when it comes to being more switchable on the perimeter, and his range on offense is a work in progress. He also underwent season-ending foot surgery in February. Advertisement Those concerns prevent me from giving this pick an "A" for now. But Sorber has the potential to develop into a two-way contributor for OKC, which did well to land him outside of the lottery. Grade: B+ More: What to know about OKC Thunder offseason: Draft picks, contracts after winning NBA title Thomas Sorber (center) reacts after being drafted 15th overall by the Thunder the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25. OKC trades No. 24 pick to Sacramento Kings, who select Colorado State's Nique Clifford The OKC Thunder sent the No. 24 pick to the Sacramento Kings, who selected Colorado State guard Nique Clifford. OKC is reportedly receiving a 2027 first-round pick that originally belonged to the San Antonio Spurs. It's top-16 protected, and it'll become two 2027 second-round picks if it doesn't convey. Advertisement This trade shouldn't come as a surprise. OKC entered the draft as one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and it selected Georgetown big man Thomas Sorber with the No. 15 pick. With limited roster spots, OKC opted to trade for a future pick instead of bringing in another rookie. And, considering the trajectory of a San Antonio team that recently paired De'Aaron Fox with Victor Wembanyama, it's likely to convey. OKC will also be a significantly more expensive team by 2027, so the addition of someone on a rookie deal will be good for the books. This isn't a splashy trade, but it's a necessary one. Grade: A- Second round, No. 44 overall | Brooks Barnhizer, G, Northwestern Barnhizer is going to be a fan favorite. Advertisement The 6-6 guard is a good on-ball defender, and he thrives at getting into passing lanes. He averaged 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks through 17 games before his senior season was cut short due to a broken foot. Barnhizer is also as tough as they come. He had his two front teeth knocked out twice last season but didn't let that stop him from playing with an incredibly-strong motor. Still, there's work to be done if Barnhizer wants to stick around in the NBA. Even though he'll be able to hold his own defensively, Barnhizer will have to become a more consistent shooter. He only shot 31% from deep throughout his college career. Advertisement It's difficult enough to find minutes on an OKC team with plenty of depth. It'll only be more difficult if Barnhizer isn't able to knock down his shots. Grades: B- Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@ or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder draft picks: Grades for selections in 2025 NBA Draft
