NBA Draft: Alex Sarr, Ron Holland Impress in Ignite-Perth Matchup
Multiple potential 2024 NBA Draft prospects matchup up on Wednesday, with the G League Ignite taking on the Perth Wildcats of the NBL.
G League Ignite players Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, Izan Almansa, Tyler Smith and Perth Wildcats Alexandre Sarr and Ben Henshall all saw action in the exhibition, with many raising their stock in the process.
The Ignite coasted to a 124-105 win on the night, spreading the wealth deep into the roster.
Sarr and Holland were the big winners on the night stock-wise, outing themselves as two of the best talents on the floor with ease.
Sarr — a 7-foot-1 forward with a mobile, wing-style game — impressed with his strong interior presence on both ends of the court. He looked like far-and-away the best player on the court at times, posting 17 points, seven rebounds, six blocks and one steal and assist apiece in total.
With more performances like Wednesday’s, he’ll easily insert himself as one of the top players in the class.
Nearly every prospect, save for Almansa, got off to a slow start, with everyone else coming around as the game wore on.
Holland was one who got off to a slower start, but eventually exploded in the second quarter via his athleticism, showcasing strong shot-creation too.
By the end of the night, Holland had wowed in a variety of areas, posting a game-high 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, adding five rebounds, three steals and one block and assist apiece.
Buzelis, a former Sunrise Christian standout, was tentative on both ends early, with that bleeding into the second half some too. But by the end, his talent shone through, as he finished with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting with five rebounds and two blocks.
Almansa showcased exactly what he has in his last few FIBA stints: strong interior offense and versatile defense. Even against Sarr, he managed 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block.
Thierry Darlan, an NBA Academy Africa graduate and riser in the 2024 draft cycle, was slated to play but missed due to a reported ankle injury. But there is there is optimism that he will be available for their G League season-opener in mid-November.
The Ignite and Perth will see one more matchup at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.