Villanova Star Cam Whitmore Drastically Falls in NBA Draft
An unexpected slide in the 2023 NBA draft for former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore confused many NBA fans and pundits on Thursday as many wondered why teams passed on the talented forward.
A widely projected top-10 pick entering the night, Whitmore uncomfortably sat in the green room until late in the first round when he was selected by the Rockets with the 20th overall pick. Still, despite Whitmore becoming a first-rounder, questions persisted on social media about why he dipped on draft boards.
According to multiple reports, medical concerns and a few lackluster pre-draft workouts and interviews played key roles in Whitmore’s slide. As a freshman in 2022, the 18-year-old notably missed his first seven games with a thumb injury before returning in December and going on to win Big East Freshman of the Year after averaging 12.5 points.
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While his journey to the NBA may not have been ideal, the night still led to Whitmore achieving a huge goal and hearing his name called, much to the delight of his supporters.
Reactions to Houston’s selection of Whitmore poured in moments after the pick, with quite a few people directing messages to the NBA front offices who had doubts about the promising 6-foot-7 wing’s potential:
