2024 NBA Draft: G League Players Who Have Announced Their Intentions to Enter

(Image: NBA G League)

The 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm is fast approaching, and several G League highlights are eager to hear their names announced during this exciting two-day event.

In total, 14 notable players from the G League are focused on increasing their draft stock in the weeks leading up to the selection. Among them, six standout talents from G League Ignite are prominent names within the pre-draft discussions. Additionally, eight other players who played in the G League last season are honing their skills with the same dreams of reaching the NBA.

Fans can catch the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm on June 26 at 8 PM ET and June 27 at 4 PM ET, available on ABC and ESPN.

Abdullah Ahmed

Height: 6’10”
Position: C
Age: 20
Team: Westchester Knicks

A 6-foot-10 center hailing from Egypt, Ahmed was drafted by the Westchester Knicks as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NBA G League International Draft. The young player averaged 4.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game over the course of 27 games during the 2023-24 season. He showcased his talent with five games recording 10 or more rebounds and 2 or more blocks, including a standout performance with 16 rebounds and 4 blocks on February 22 against Windy City. As an early entrant in the NBA Draft, Ahmed carved out a significant role in the Westchester lineup, logging 20-plus minutes in nine of the last 15 games after only surpassing that mark in three of his first 12 appearances.

2023-24 Season Averages: 27 GP, 4.9 PTS, 5.8 REB, 0.3 AST, 1.1 BLK, 0.2 STL, 48.2 FG%

Izan Almansa

Height: 6’10”
Position: C
Age: 19
Team: G League Ignite

Nineteen-year-old Almansa signed with Ignite in June 2023, joining fellow OTE alum Tyler Smith. He debuted with an impressive stat line of 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Just two weeks later, he achieved his first double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds against the South Bay Lakers. Throughout the season, Almansa scored in double figures 25 times, including five games with over 20 points and seven double-doubles. He impressed with his playmaking from the post, recording 3 or more assists in nine games and multiple blocks eight times.

2023-24 Season Averages: 48 GP, 10.5 PTS, 7.2 REB, 1.5 AST, 0.8 STL, 0.8 BLK, 54.3% FG%

Matas Buzelis

Height: 6’10”
Position: F
Age: 18
Team: G League Ignite

Standing tall at 6-foot-10, Buzelis exhibited his versatile skill set throughout the Ignite season. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks in a total of 34 games, shooting 45.3% from the field. His impressive 2.1 blocks per game ranked him tied for fourth in the G League. The 19-year-old standout scored 20 or more points in seven games and nailed at least two 3-pointers in eight games, finishing the Regular Season with six double-doubles.

2023-24 Season Averages: 34 GP, 14.1 PTS, 6.6 REB, 1.9 AST, 1.0 STL, 1.9 BLK, 45.3% FG

Thierry Darlan

Height: 6’8″
Position: G
Age: 20
Team: G League Ignite

In March 2023, Darlan etched his name in history as the sixth graduate from the NBA Academy and the third from NBA Academy Africa to sign with Ignite. Over the course of 45 games, he averaged 5.4 points and frequently contributed with over 10 points in scoring, also registering multiple steals on nine occasions. This summer, Darlan excelled in the Basketball Africa League, finishing eighth in scoring with an average of 17.7 points per game for his local Bangui Sporting Club and also ranked eighth in rebounding with 8.7 per game.

2023-24 Season Averages: 45 GP, 5.4 PTS, 3.7 REB, 0.8 AST, 0.6 STL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z0VvOmnEEM

Ron Holland

Height: 6’8″
Position: F
Age: 18
Team: G League Ignite

Initially weighing several NCAA options, the 6-foot-8 Holland made the bold decision to go pro, joining Ignite. During both the Showcase Cup and Regular Season, he led his squad in scoring with an impressive average of 19.5 points, along with averaging 2.4 steals and 6.7 rebounds per game. His versatility was evident, having scored at least 20 points and grabbed a minimum of 5 rebounds in 15 games, including eight outings with 25 or more points. Even though he missed some games toward the end of the season, Holland led Ignite in scoring on 13 occasions and recorded 2 or more steals in 20 of his 29 appearances.

2023-24 Season Averages: 29 GP, 19.5 PTS, 6.7 REB, 3.1 AST, 2.4 STL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZeIo5FxmLs

Djordije Jovanovic

Height: 6’7″
Position: F
Age: 21
Team: Ontario Clippers

Hailing from Montenegro, the 21-year-old Jovanovic began his basketball journey in Serbia. Initially with Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian ABA League, he later played for their affiliate team, OKK Dunav, in the KLS. During the 2021-22 season, he showcased his talent…rebounds per game.

### Player Profiles

**1. Teafale Lenard Jr.**
– **Height**: 6’8″
– **Position**: Forward
– **Age**: 21
– **Team**: Texas Legends

Teafale Lenard Jr. kicked off his basketball journey at Snyder High School in Jersey City, NJ, before showcasing his talent at Middle Tennessee State. In his sophomore season, he averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, landing a spot on the Conference USA All-Defensive Team. His 61 blocks rank as the fourth-highest in a season in the program’s history, and he recorded 12 games with multiple blocks and steals—leading all Division 1 players.

The South Bay Lakers selected Lenard as the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA G League Draft, only for his rights to be traded to the Texas Legends in exchange for the first overall pick, Jack White. Throughout 24 games in the Showcase Cup and regular season, he averaged 4.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game, with highlights including a 24-point and 7-rebound performance in February against Sioux Falls.

**2023-24 Season Averages**: 24 GP, 4.6 PTS, 2.1 REB, 1.0 AST, 1.0 BLK, 0.9 STL, 41.1 FG%

—

**2. Malique Lewis**
– **Height**: 6’8″
– **Position**: Forward
– **Age**: 19
– **Team**: Mexico City Capitanes

At just 19, Lewis made a splash in the 2023 NBA G League International Draft, where he was selected first overall by the Mexico City Capitanes. During his season, he averaged 8.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game across the Showcase Cup and regular season, securing four double-doubles. His rebounding average ranked fourth on the team, and he showcased significant shooting talent, hitting three or more three-pointers in five games.

Lewis’s impressive performance earned him an invitation to the NBA G League Elite Camp in Chicago ahead of the NBA Draft Combine.

**2023-24 Season Averages**: 50 GP, 8.4 PTS, 5.8 REB, 1.3 AST, 0.9 STL, 1.1 BLK, 49.2% FG

—

**3. Isiaih Mosley**
– **Height**: 6’5″
– **Position**: Forward
– **Age**: 24
– **Team**: Rip City Remix

Growing up in Missouri, Mosley earned the title of Mr. Show-Me Basketball, reflecting his excellence at Snyder High School, where he averaged 23.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a senior. He began his college career at Missouri State, achieving First Team All-MVC honors twice during his tenure and averaged 20.4 points as a junior. He wrapped up his college career at Missouri with an average of 9.6 points in 14 games.

Mosley was picked 8th overall by the Greensboro Swarm in the 2023 NBA G League Draft, with additional stints at the Rip City Remix and Wisconsin Herd during the season. His averages for the year settled at 4.7 points and 2.3 rebounds across 13 regular season games with the Herd.

**2023-24 Season Averages**: 19 GP, 3.8 PTS, 1.9 REB, 1.4 AST, 0.4 STL, 43.1 FG%

—

**4. David Muoka**
– **Height**: 6’10”
– **Position**: Center
– **Age**: 23
– **Team**: Long Island Nets

Muoka’s basketball journey began in Hong Kong before attending prep school in Canada, eventually landing at Lamar University. In his sophomore year, he was crowned Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing averages of 5.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. He concluded his collegiate career at UNLV.

Selected as the third overall pick by the Capital City Go-Go in the 2023 NBA G League Draft, Muoka showcased his potential in 38 games with the Long Island Nets, averaging 4.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His notable performances included 13 games with multiple blocks, highlighted by two games with six blocks each. He played a crucial role for the Nets during their playoff run, averaging 8.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in that span.

**2023-24 Season Averages**: 38 GP, 4.5 PTS, 5.0 REB, 0.6 AST, 1.3 BLK, 58.5 FG%

—

**5. Pavel Savkov**
– **Height**: 6’7″
– **Position**: Forward
– **Age**: 22
– **Team**: Birmingham Squadron

Savkov hails from Russia and spent a significant portion of his early career developing with Spain’s Baskonia club. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 13.1 points and 2.1 rebounds over 10 games with the reserve team while converting over 39% of his shots from beyond the arc.

In the 2023 NBA G League Draft, Savkov was selected 6th overall by the Birmingham Squadron. Throughout 13 appearances during the Winter Showcase and regular season, he averaged 3.2 points while hitting over 42% from three-point territory in about six minutes of play per game. After his season with Birmingham, he continued his career in Spain with Guuk Gipuzkoa Basket, averaging 4.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.

—

These young talents highlight the depth and promise present in the G League, showcasing their skill sets and readiness to leave their mark in the world of professional basketball.### Player Profiles: Promising Talents in the G League

—

#### Babacar Sane

– **Height:** 6’7″
– **Position:** Forward
– **Age:** 20
– **Team:** G League Ignite

After wrapping up the 2022 BAL season, Sane joined Ignite in October of the same year. In his debut season, he made a notable impact, averaging 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds over 41 games. The 6-foot-7 forward exhibited flashes of his athletic potential, notably achieving a double-double against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in January, where he contributed 17 points and set an Ignite team record with 18 rebounds, along with a career-high of three made 3-pointers. His second season with Ignite saw a significant uptick in performance, with averages of 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds across 31 games, featuring eight outings with 15+ points and two double-doubles.

**2023-24 Season Averages:** 31 GP, 10.6 PTS, 5.7 REB, 0.7 AST, 0.5 STL, 0.5 BLK, 44.5% FG

[Watch Highlights](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp-U2lAJqRc)

—

#### Tyler Smith

– **Height:** 6’11”
– **Position:** Forward
– **Age:** 19
– **Team:** G League Ignite

Smith joined Ignite in June 2023 and quickly made his mark. This past season, the 19-year-old averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds, spanning both the Showcase Cup and Regular Season. With seven games where he scored over 20 points, he led the Ignite in scoring with a total of 589 points. Smith demonstrated his versatility on the court, proving he can score from beyond the arc, in the mid-range, or as a roll man. Notably, he hit 60% of his left corner 3-pointers during the Regular Season and showcased effective pick-and-pop skills as the season progressed.

**2023-24 Season Averages:** 43 GP, 13.7 PTS, 5.1 REB, 1.3 AST, 1.0 BLK, 36.0% 3PT

[Watch Highlights](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC8eff8GHtk)

—

#### Bryson Warren

– **Height:** 6’3″
– **Position:** Guard
– **Age:** 19
– **Team:** Sioux Falls Skyforce

After two successful seasons with Overtime Elite, Warren entered the 2023 NBA G League Draft, where he was selected 13th overall by the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Throughout 27 games of Showcase Cup and Regular Season play, he averaged 6.9 points in just 17.4 minutes per game, including six performances with 15+ points. The 19-year-old guard showcased his long-range shooting ability, connecting on multiple 3-pointers in 11 different games during the season.

**2023-24 Season Averages:** 27 GP, 6.9 PTS, 1.8 AST, 1.4 REB, 0.6 STL, 80% FT%

[Watch Highlights](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eRcFx8qOfY)

—

These young talents are making waves in the G League, and their development will be exciting to follow as they work towards reaching their potential. Whether through scoring, rebounding, or defensive prowess, each player is carving out their path. Keep an eye on them as their journeys unfold in professional basketball!

Don't Miss"Star Wars x Nanzuka x adidas Superstar XLG: R2-D2 and C-3PO Collection Unveiled"Up NextNBPA Top 100: Teamwork Makes Dream Work!

Tracy Smith

Athletic Highlights
Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster
2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais
Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.
The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.
“Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”
Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”
This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.
“I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”
Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.
“I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.
The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.
The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.
Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.
The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.
The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.
The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.
The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.
For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.
For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.
Continue Reading
Athletic Highlights
Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper
DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper
Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.
Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.
“you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”
A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.
Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.
Continue Reading
Athletic Highlights
Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?
Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals
The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.
Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.
Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29
1. Bay City Western (12-1)
Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.
2. De La Salle (12-2)
The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.
3. Northville (14-1)
The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.
4. Dakota (11-4)
After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.
5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)
The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.
6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)
With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.
7. Saline (15-1)
The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.
8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)
OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.
9. Romeo (16-2)
The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.
10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)
Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.
11. Hudsonville (12-2)
The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.
12. Jenison (8-2)
The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.
13. New Boston Huron (16-0)
The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.
14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)
The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.
15. West Bloomfield (8-3)
The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.
16. Dexter (13-6)
The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.
17. Woodhaven (15-5)
The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.
18. Rochester Adams (15-4)
Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.
19. Trenton (13-3)
The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.
20. Midland (6-2)
Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.
21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.
22. Detroit Western (13-5)
After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.
23. Grand Ledge (13-5)
The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.
24. Mattawan (8-2-3)
Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.
25. Allen Park (8-5)
The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.
Continue Reading