Latest news with #HunterSallis
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
76ers Sign Former McDonald's All-American After NBA Draft
76ers Sign Former McDonald's All-American After NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia 76ers used the No. 3 pick to select Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, then selected Auburn center Johni Broome at No. 35 in the second round. Advertisement They seemed set, firmly building around their veteran core and rising young guard Tyrese Maxey. Along similar lines, they made news again on Thursday. Shortly after the second round closed, the Sixers moved fast. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, 'Wake Forest's Hunter Sallis has agreed to a two‑way NBA contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.' A former McDonald's All‑American, Sallis began at Gonzaga with a limited role over two seasons before transferring to Wake Forest. There, he earned First‑Team All‑ACC honors twice (2024, 2025) and averaged approximately 18 points per game both seasons. Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images His junior year boasted an efficient 40% three‑point shooting, but it dipped to 27.7% in his final season, likely contributing to his undrafted status. Advertisement Still, Sallis brought elite athleticism, a 6‑foot‑5 frame, 6‑10 wingspan, plus solid mid‑range scoring and finishing at the rim. The two‑way deal gives Sallis a chance in both the NBA and the G‑League. He'll join Alex Reese on two‑way duties as Philadelphia boosts its guard depth. Summer League will be his proving ground. For the Sixers, this move reflects Philadelphia's president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey's track record of identifying undrafted talent. If Sallis can recover his deep shooting and maintain his scoring aggressiveness, he offers upside as a secondary ball‑handler and perimeter scorer. As John Fanta of Fox Sports noted, it's 'a very good undrafted pickup.' Advertisement All eyes move to training camp and the Summer League. If Sallis shows improved three‑point consistency and court awareness, he may earn a full roster spot. Related: WNBA Player Loses Tooth After Taking Brutal Elbow This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Sixers to sign undrafted free agent Izan Almansa to Exhibit 10
The Philadelphia 76ers continue to load up on undrafted free agents as they prepare for the offseason. After signing Wake Forest's Hunter Sallis to a two-way deal immediately once the draft ended and then signing Tennessee's Igor Milicic Jr. to an Exhibit 10, the Sixers have reportedly made another undrafted free agent move. Per The Philly Voice, the Sixers will bring in Spain's Izan Almansa on an Exhibit 10 deal. Almansa has played for Overtime Elite, G League Ignite, and most recently the Perth Wildcats in Australia where he averaged 7.2 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 52% from the floor and 30.4% from deep in the 2024-25 season. Almansa stands at 6-foot-10 and won the 2023 U19 basketball championship with Spain on his way to winning MVP honors. He was invited to the green room for Round 2 of the draft, but obviously, went undrafted. He will now have an opportunity with the Sixers to earn his next chance in his basketball career.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft: Hunter Sallis, Vlad Goldin among top undrafted prospects
While hearing one's name called is the heavily preferred route to the NBA, there are only so many available slots. For the 2025 edition, there were 59 picks, and many accomplished players went undrafted. Below is a quick look at the top 10 players not selected and where they're headed as undrafted free agents. 1. G Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest After playing two seasons at Gonzaga, Sallis transferred and took on a far more significant role at Wake Forest. During his final season, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 three-pointers per game, shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 80.4 percent from the foul line. While Sallis did not provide much value as a three-point shooter, making 27.7 percent of his attempts in 2024-25, there's prior evidence that he can. Advertisement During his first season at Wake Forest, the guard shot 40.5 percent from deep on 5.4 attempts per game. Had Sallis entered the 2024 draft, there's a strong likelihood he would have been selected. The decreased accuracy from three was likely a factor in him not being drafted on Thursday, but he agreed to a two-way deal with the 76ers shortly after the draft concluded. 2. C Vladislav Golden, Michigan Goldin enjoyed a storied collegiate run, first appearing for Texas Tech and then joining FAU, where he was part of the team's Cinderella run to the 2023 Final Four. Rather than going to the NBA, Goldin returned to college last season, following head coach Dusty May to Michigan as a grad transfer. The 7-foot, 253-pound center averaged 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.4 blocks while shooting 61/33/73 splits. His size gives him upside as an interior scorer and rebounder, but he can be even better on offense if he can further develop his three-point shot. Goldin has agreed to a two-way contract with the Heat, who already have Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware, but there may be a need for additional depth in the frontcourt. Advertisement 3. G Dink Pate, Mexico City The 6-foot-8 Pate went the G League route, beginning with the 2023-24 season as part of G League Ignite. That team's disbandment led to Pate joining the Mexico City Capitanes, where he averaged 10.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 34 starts. While the Texas native boasts plus athleticism, he needs to grow as a shooter, with Pate shooting 26 percent from three and 58 percent from the foul line last season. The combination of size and athleticism makes him an attractive wing prospect, but Pate has a long way to go as a shooter. As of late Thursday night, he had not agreed to a two-way deal, but Pate may be worth the risk for a team willing to wait on his development. 4. F/C Eric Dixon, Villanova Regarding individual numbers, Dixon is one of the most productive players in Villanova program history. The 6-foot-8 forward/center led the nation in scoring as a senior, earning All-America honors and a first-team All-Big East selection. Advertisement Dixon averaged 23.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.9 three-pointers per game while recording 45.1/40.7/81.3 shooting splits. While undersized for the NBA level, Dixon's improvements as a shooter may translate. He's agreed to a two-way contract with the Lakers, making for an intriguing option if Dixon can defend fours on the perimeter. 5. C Viktor Lakhin, Clemson The 6-foot-11, 245-pound center from Russia played three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Clemson ahead of the 2024-25 season. In 34 games, he recorded averages of 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.5 blocks and 0.7 three-pointers in 23.6 minutes, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 69.6 percent from the foul line. Lahkin improved as a finisher and facilitator during his lone season at Clemson and was also an effective rim protector. However, he must improve his lateral mobility and strength in preparation for the NBA game. While yet to agree to a contract, it would be unsurprising if a team signed Lakhin to participate in Summer League play next month. Advertisement 6. G Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga The younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, Ryan spent two seasons at Creighton before following in Andrew's footsteps and transferring to Gonzaga. As a senior, the 6-foot point guard led the nation in assists, averaging 9.8 per game while also accounting for 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers. Nembhard averaged only 2.7 three-point attempts per game this past season, but the accuracy was there, as he shot 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. While the lack of size may lead to some overlooking him, Nembhard's ability as a playmaker and improved perimeter shooter have put him on the NBA radar. He's been signed to a two-way deal by the Mavericks, which could be an interesting spot depending on how Dallas addresses the point guard position in free agency. Expecting Nembhard to crack the rotation would be unrealistic given the contract, but Kyrie Irving (knee) will miss a significant portion of the 2025-26 season. 7. G Chucky Hepburn, Louisville After spending three seasons at Wisconsin, Hepburn transferred to Louisville and was a key contributor for the Cardinals in 2024-25. He earned All-ACC honors and averaged 16.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.4 steals (tops in the ACC) and 1.9 three-pointers per game. Hepburn shot 43.2 percent from the field and 84.4 percent from the foul line. While the perimeter shot needs some work, Hepburn's foul shooting suggests he has room to develop. Advertisement He's capable of impacting the two-man game and as a defender, but Hepburn will need to improve as a shooter and clean up the turnovers (3.0 per game in 2024-25). Hepburn agreed to a two-way deal with the Raptors, who were much-improved defensively during the second half of last season. While the defensive ability and playmaking opened the door for Hepburn, his chances of sticking will likely hinge on the perimeter shot. 8. F RJ Luis Jr., St. John's While St. John's coach Rick Pitino loaded up on transfers ahead of his second season with the program, his best player was among the few returnees. Luis, who played one season at UMass before transferring to St. John's, was one of the best players in college basketball in 2024-25. In 35 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the foul line. In addition to being named Big East Player of the Year, the versatile Luis was a consensus All-American. Many projected him as a second-round pick, but his name was not called on Thursday. The good news for Luis is that he was able to land a two-way deal with the rebuilding Jazz. Utah did add Ace Bailey in the first round, but overall, the team has an uninspiring wing rotation. Also, the team has been willing to give two-way players and G League contributors opportunities to show what they can do during this rebuild. That may bode well for Luis. Advertisement 9. G Mark Sears, Alabama After two seasons at Ohio, Sears transferred to Alabama and flourished under head coach Nate Oates. A two-time All-American, the 6-foot point guard averaged 18.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game in 2024-25. Sears shot 40.3 percent from the field, a decrease of 10 percentage points compared to the 2023-24 season, and his effective field goal percentage dropped by 11 percentage points to 49.4. Along with his size, the decrease in efficiency is a concern. However, Sears can be a factor offensively, especially when put in positions where he can play downhill. The former Alabama point guard agreed to a two-way deal with the Bucks, who will play most of next season without Damian Lillard (Achilles). Also, Kevin Porter Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent. On paper, Sears is unlikely to be in a position to play rotation minutes. However, with the Giannis Antetokounmpo conversations from outside the organization, who knows what will happen once the dust settles after free agency? 10. F Grant Nelson, Alabama The 6-foot-10 Nelson played three seasons at North Dakota State before transferring to Alabama ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. He provided the Crimson Tide with offensive versatility in the frontcourt, but there is work to be done on the perimeter shot. In 37 games last season, Nelson averaged 11.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.2 blocks and 0.6 three-pointers. Nelson shot 52.2 percent from the field, 25.8 percent from three and 66.7 percent from the foul line. While a solid defender, there's still room for growth, especially in the two-man game. Nelson's ability to consistently knock down perimeter shots will be a key factor as he looks to establish himself as a pro. If he can do that, he can be a steal in this draft class. Nelson is joining the rebuilding Nets on a two-way deal, and while Brooklyn is rebuilding, they also have five first-round picks to work into the fold.
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Sixers to sign Igor Milicic Jr. to an Exhibit 10 contract
Tennessee's Igor Miličić Jr. has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, I'm 6'9 ¾" Croatian-Polish forward brings coveted two-way versatility and earned both PIT + GLE UDFA pickup for Philly, ranking 70th in the final DX Top 100. With the 2025 NBA draft in the books, now is the time for teams to scour the undrafted free agent market to bring in young players that may have been overlooked during their college careers and in the pre-draft process. The Philadelphia 76ers have hit on some undrafted gems in the past and hope they can find more pieces with the signing of Wake Forest's Hunter Sallis to a two-way deal. It also appears that the Sixers will give a Tennessee big man an opportunity after he went undrafted. Per reports, the Sixers will sign Tennessee's Igor Milicic Jr. to an Exhibit 10 deal. He averaged 9.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 47.2% from the floor and 31.4% from deep in the 2024-25 season with the Volunteers. He also played at Virginia and Charlotte in his collegiate career. Milicic will look to make an impact on the Sixers and the rest of the NBA in the upcoming summer league. That will give him his first opportunity to show that he can do and produce at the next level in the NBA.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA Draft scouting report: Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
Hunter Sallis #23 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons reacts against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the quarterfinal round of the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by) For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide. Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest Height: 6-5 • Weight: 185 • Class: Senior • Age: 22 Summary: Sallis is a poised, efficient scorer with body control, defensive tenacity, and the passing feel to hint at more upside. If the jumper proves real, he could play a much larger offensive role than his current projection. Advertisement Comparisons: Donte DiVincenzo Strengths Shot creation: Slippery ball-handler who is quick but also knows how to deceive opponents with head and ball fakes. He can decelerate, stop on a dime for pull-ups in the paint, or use half-spins to get to the rim. He always looks like he's in control. At-rim finishing: Gorgeous paint scorer with soft touch from any angle off either foot. He can dunk when given space to elevate, but primarily uses his finesse to score around the rim. Even when facing lengthy defenders he's shown the ability to hang in the air and absorb contact to still score. Passing: Selfless passer who makes decisive decisions with the ball. Coming off handoffs, he'll read the floor then put velocity on the ball to a roller. He loves to throw lobs. He's also so comfortable throwing cross-court bullseye passes. Advertisement Cutting: Active off the ball, showing an awareness to fill space in transition, cut to the basket in the half court, and relocate for open 3s. Defense: Super active on-ball defender who shows good footwork fighting around screens and staying in front of opponents. His strong hand-eye coordination allows him to consistently swipe at balls and contest shots. Concerns Shooting: He made only 33.3% of his 3s in four college seasons. He lacks experience and success shooting off movement, and he has a bit of a slow release. But the flashes are impressive: He made 52.3% of midrange pull-ups this season, per Synergy. Advertisement Strength: Needs to get stronger to improve his defensive floor. As it is, he'll get overpowered by some of the heavier elite athletes in the league. For a two-round mock draft and a big board with full scouting reports, check out my NBA Draft Guide.
