Here's what the Miami Hurricanes' Bruce Brown says about his NBA Draft projections
The enthusiasm in Bruce Brown’s voice says all you need to know about how excited the former University of Miami guard is about the upcoming NBA Draft.
Brown, who turned pro after an injury-shortened sophomore season, packed up his things and left Miami two weeks ago. He is in Thousand Oaks, California, grinding through pre-draft workouts with former UCLA and NBA player Don MacLean, who is also training other draft prospects, including Duke’s Grayson Allen.
The NBA Combine is May 16-20 in Chicago, the draft is June 11 in New York City, and Brown is eager to show he hasn’t lost a step since foot surgery in February.
“I can’t wait to just get back to playing full-time,” Brown said by phone Monday night. “Teams haven’t seen me play since January, so I am excited to get out there and show what I can do. I just have to stick to my strengths, and not try to put too much pressure on myself. I am ready to go. I feel no pain at all in my foot, nothing.”
Brown is projected as a second-round pick in most mock drafts, and he said he’s been told his “range” is 15 to 35 or 40. “That’s a big range, but I hope to do well at the Combine,” he said. “I’ve been watching the Combine as a fan for years, and to actually be there, with all the NBA people there, is going to be amazing. I can’t wait.”
Brown missed the final 12 games of the season, and averaged 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and four assists in the 19 games he played. The previous season, he set UM freshman records for points (391) and minutes (1,053).
Brown said although it pained him to part with his Hurricane teammates, especially good friend Rodney Miller, he was ready to go pro.
“When I was recruited to UM, Coach L [Jim Larrañaga], told me that after two years I could be good enough to go, and I am definitely ready to take the next step,” Brown said. “It was really hard for me to sit out the end of this season, especially in the ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. I wanted to come back so bad, but Coach L wouldn’t let me. He didn’t want me to jeopardize my future, which shows what kind of man he is that he cared more about my future than his personal status.”
Brown said the biggest adjustment he’ll have to make is getting used to the speed and physicality of the NBA game.
“I’ve been watching NBA games closely the past few weeks, and those guys are smart and very physical,” he said. “The refs let a lot of stuff go that they call in college, but that’s perfect for me. My game is physical. I can’t wait to get out there and get started.”
Brown’s UM teammates Lonnie Walker IV and Dewan Huell also declared for the draft. Walker has an agent, Huell does not, which means he can return to the Hurricanes if his projected draft stock is not where he wants it to be.
This story was originally published May 8, 2018 at 11:12 AM with the headline "Here's what the Miami Hurricanes' Bruce Brown says about his NBA Draft projections."