{"id":92391,"date":"2024-09-02T21:11:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T01:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=92391"},"modified":"2024-09-02T21:11:50","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T01:11:50","slug":"top-10-nba-prospects-playing-in-the-g-league-fall-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/02\/top-10-nba-prospects-playing-in-the-g-league-fall-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 NBA Prospects Playing In The G-League Fall Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/02\/nba-analyst-kenny-smith-predicts-lebron-retirement-defends-bronny-james\/\" target=\"_self\">NBA<\/a> G-League&#8217;s main goal is to develop and showcase talent while expanding the game globally. Despite the disbandment of G-League Ignite, the league decided to continue its mission statement with the formation of <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/08\/20\/chasing-basketball-dreams-inside-g-league-tryouts-and-stories-motor-city-cruise\/\" target=\"_self\">G-League<\/a> United.<\/p>\n<p>G-League United, led by coach <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/coaches\/paul-hewitt-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Hewitt<\/a>, consists of select G-league prospects and stars and will represent the league in Domestic and international competition. One such competition will occur this week at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz (CA), September 4 and 6, as G-League United faces BC Mega Mis.<\/p>\n<h2>G-League United Finalizes Roster For Fall Festival and FIBA International Cup<\/h2>\n<p>KK Mega is a Serbian club that plays in the country&#8217;s top league, the ABA. While Mega Baskets has experienced success, finishing runners-up once, fourth last season, and reaching the semifinals, they have produced many NBA draft picks. Fifteen Mega Basketball players have been drafted since 2007, including two in the first round\u2014<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/luwawti01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Timothe Luwawa-Cabarrot<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jovicni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Jovic<\/a>. However, 3-time NBA MVP <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jokicni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Jokic<\/a> is the best player to suit up for the club.<\/p>\n<p>KK Mega has a lot of young talent this year, including a handful of NBA prospects. Meanwhile, G-League United is led by veterans <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/toscaju01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juan Toscano-Anderson<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kinglo02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Louis King<\/a>, though there are\u00a0also some intriguing prospects like <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wongis01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Isaiah Wong.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt means a lot for me to play in Santa Cruz. I love the fans, and I still keep in touch with a lot of people here,\u201d Toscano-Anderson told the <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.santacruzsentinel.com\/2024\/09\/01\/juan-toscano-anderson-returns-to-santa-cruz-for-nba-g-league-fall-invitational\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Santa Cruz Sentinel<\/a>. \u201cThis city is like another home to me, so I\u2019m super excited to be back and play in front of everybody here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here is a look at the prospects of participating in the G-League Fall Festival.<\/p>\n<h3>G-League Prospects<\/h3>\n<h4>Louis King<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Louis King vs BKN 20 PTS        4.09.23\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/psD_jbGIU4A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>King is a talented, athletic 6-7 wing who was a five-star high school prospect who spent one season at Oregon before going undrafted in 2019. The 25-year-old has 29 games of NBA experience but spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with South Bay Lakers and Mexico City Capitanes. He did not play during the Summer League.<\/p>\n<p>King is a good scorer who is not overly efficient and struggles with his handles. He does have some 3-and-D ability.<\/p>\n<p>King likely lost his chance as a prospect; if he impresses during these two games and the FIBA International Cup, he could get back on the radar.<\/p>\n<h4>Michael Foster Jr.<\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fostemi02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Foster<\/a> was a highly thought high school prospect but decided to sign with G-League Ignite and went undrafted in 2022. Just 21, the 6-8, 250-pound forward is an outstanding athlete who is very good around the rim and strong on the glass. He is a good shot-blocker and solid defender.<\/p>\n<p>Foster, who appeared in three games for Philadelphia in 2022-23, spent all of last year with Capital City Go-Go. He produced nine double-doubles, averaging 10.6 points and 7.4 rebounds with shooting splits of 59.1\/32.4\/65.5 for the Go-Gos.<\/p>\n<p>Foster didn&#8217;t get a Summer League invitation, so it will be interesting to see if he will get another NBA chance. My guess is yes.<\/p>\n<h4>Isaiah Wong<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Isaiah Wong&#039;s Best Plays Of The Season So Far\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zYCH9GX5olI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Wong was selected with the No. 55 pick in 2023 by the Indiana Pacers and signed a two-way deal with them. The 23-year-old guard spent almost all last season in the G-League in 2023-24, participating in the G-League Next Up game during the all-star weekend and appearing in one game for the Pacers.<\/p>\n<p>Currently a free agent, Wong is an athletic slasher with an outstanding Summer League campaign with Phoenix in 2024. He doesn&#8217;t do much besides score and is not a great shooter. He also struggled with ball-handling and defense with the G-League Mad Ants.<\/p>\n<p>Expect him to land at least an Exhibit 10 contract.<\/p>\n<h4>Kesei Tominaga<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Keisei Tominaga Highlights vs. Indiana | Nebraska Basketball | 03\/15\/2024\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/J29cqMspSBY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/keisei-tominaga-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kesei Tominaga<\/a> is a 6-2 Japanese combo guard who went undrafted out of Nebraska in 2024. He has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with Indiana.<\/p>\n<p>Known for his shooting ability, Tominga played well for Japan during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 11.4 points with a shooting slash line of 44.7\/37.5\/75.0. But he did not see much time at the Olympics this summer.<\/p>\n<h4>KK Mega Prospects<\/h4>\n<h4>Andrej Jelavic<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Andrija Jelavic mid-season highlights!\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/phK6Z09cvaU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/andrija-jelavic-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrej Jelavic<\/a> is a 20-year-old center who withdrew from the 2024 NBA draft as an early entry. The 6-10 Croatian became a full-time member of Mega BeMax last season. He is a capable scorer around the rim, an excellent defensive rebounder, and not a total disaster on the defensive end.<\/p>\n<p>While Jelavic is a capable floor spacer, he does have to improve his shooting and shot collection. He only made 49.7% of his field goals and 31.0% of the shots beyond the arc. Ball handling was also an issue.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It\u2019s certainly my plan and dream, like probably every player, to play in the NBA, <a  href=\"https:\/\/basketballsphere.com\/en\/andrija-jelavic-for-basketball-sphere-the-plan-and-dream-to-play-in-the-nba\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jelavic told Basketball Sphere<\/a>. &#8220;I believe that with the conditions and everything that Mega provides, I can achieve that.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4>Filip Jovic<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Filip Jovic - Serbia - 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket Highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pUF33pAzJ24?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/filip-jovic-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Jovic<\/a> is a 6-9, 19-year-old forward who came off the bench for Mega Baskets last season. He also played for the Serbian U20 national team in the Euro championship. He may be a better prospect than Jelavic.<\/p>\n<p>Jovic is a good scorer and very athletic. He needs to improve as a shooter and playmaker.<\/p>\n<h4>Jack Freeman-Kayil<\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/basketball.realgm.com\/player\/Jack-Freeman-Kayil\/Summary\/197840\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Freeman-Kayil<\/a> is an 18-year-old German in his first season with Mega Baskets. He has played well at the youth level but needs to improve his shot selection and turnovers. This past season, he was named to the NIJT All-Tournament team.<\/p>\n<p>Freeman-Kayil spoke with <a  href=\"https:\/\/germanhoops.com\/2023\/08\/11\/jack-kayil-wants-to-take-his-versatility-and-make-continued-steps-with-his-game-with-rasta-vechta\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Germanhoops.com<\/a> about his game:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>My biggest strength is my versatility. I see myself as being a good defender that can also lead my team on the defensive end. But I\u2019m also able to take responsibility on offense scoring, but also finding my teammates.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m have really worked on my shot recently and am proud that I have improved it. You can always work on shooting. It\u2019s never perfect. I think everything is important when finding consistency.<\/p>\n<p>I want to become a more physical defender. I want to be able to keep up my guy in front of me and be better while switching.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4>Urban Krofilic<\/h4>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/basketball.realgm.com\/player\/Urban-Kroflic\/Summary\/183915\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Urban Krofilic<\/a> is an 18-year-old Slovenian in his first season with Mega Baskets. The 6-5 guard showed off his scoring and playmaking ability during the ANGT and U18 Euro Championship A. He was named to the Adriatic Junior Liga ABA Youth Best 5 and 2024 U18 Euro Championship All-Tournament team.<\/p>\n<h4>Bogolijub Markovic<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bogoljub Markovic - Adidas Eurocamp 2024 Highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vo0WHOkDIc0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/basketball.realgm.com\/player\/Bogoljub-Markovic\/Summary\/182945\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bogolijub Markovic<\/a> is a 6-11, 19-year-old forward who has spent parts of the last two seasons with Mega Baskets. The Serbian is an offensively gifted big that produced 12 double-doubles. He was Adriatic Junior Liga ABA Youth Best 5 and Adriatic Junior Liga ABA Youth MVP in 2023-24.<\/p>\n<h4>Mihalio Petrovic<\/h4>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mihailo Petrovi\u0107 #77 || U20 European Championship 2023 || Highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LRHDHEhZLLM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a  href=\"https:\/\/basketball.realgm.com\/player\/Mihailo-Petrovic\/Summary\/152580\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mihalio Petrovic<\/a> is a 6-3 Serbian point guard coming off a career season in 2023-24, producing 19.3 points and 6.4 assists with shooting splits of 49.2\/28.9\/69.9%.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA G-League&#8217;s main goal is to develop and showcase talent while expanding the game globally. Despite the disbandment of G-League Ignite, the league decided to continue its mission statement with the formation of G-League United. G-League United, led by coach Paul Hewitt, consists of select G-league prospects and stars and will represent the league [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":94065,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,62,556],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-92391","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-nba","category-nba-draft"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92391"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92391\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/94065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}